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IVtev Shrwesaui . ^Ar' '//k^ of llw Dukh Gwei-twrs. died in .Vewlork vi 16P.2. ac^ed 80 years 
(Vore-e I'lmtonyy (knrraJ in the RmiutionaiymirdWevwr vfMewYork.Yia-nfSidmt of the 
UmM Shitrs. horn in CTange Co. in WO: dial in mslwujton jlprd 20. 1812. Pliilip Sdmylev . disiin- 
</in.<lml ns a Cmlnm and Genetal in the Ilevolulxon horn m Albany inlT31: died ui 1804.- Jo'hn 
Aiw.lUiniid'diidirr rrtlie Urnltd Stairs. rcnder,'d important natifual sei-Viav.dudatBedihiyi.NX 
inlilO.ihiedSl DeWitt niiiUm. di.-tinaiiishc-d for Ids puiiic spiiitA- aiterpmr : US.SaiatoV. 
.{'(knrnuT ofKfuYerh dinl in 7.S'28, anal F>9 v<'ar.s. 



LEGACY 



ITISTOIJTCAL GLEANINGS, 



CX)MPILED AND AUUANGED 



MRS. CATHARINA V. R. BONNE Y 



WITU ILLUSTRATIONS AND AUTOGRAPHS 



IN TWO VOLUMES. 

VOLUME I. 



ALBANY, N. Y.: 

J. MUNSELL 82 STATE STREET. 

1875. 



C O N T E N T 8 



CHAPTER I. 



Thf. LEnACY, Why BF.tirKATitED: IntnKluctory. A Mmlfst UtHiuoBt. AfM»er- 
tion nt Ik'v. Hftiry Ward HcrclitT. Aiit<iliinjrrai>hii'H, wln-n Pojmlar. Auto- 
jjrapliical Sketdu'S. (ili-aninjjrt. HiBtoricul Trail. Our ^n-at Projjfuitors, tin- IbU 
and Inlia. St. NicholnH'H Day. Uraiijc Boveii in tin- A.scemlancy. l)utclijuan'8 Ptv 
rciinial Staiulanl. Santa Claus. Henry HuilH<)n at tlic Fuyck. Patr(K)iTH of lfi29. 
!><• llcrr Killian Van Ht-nsHt-latT. Villajjt'Kf Bcavcrwyrk. Fin<t HoiiHf of XN'mxliip. 
Vi^ilancf (jf Albanianri. Indian DcpnilalionH. Ciii/.t-nH ScaliM-d on Bi-thlflicm 
Turni>ik»'. Comnirrcn of Early Tinifs. Anntkf Janw. Hcndrick Van Heiis- 
Bt'lat-r. PowtT of Attoruoy. Indians on the War path. R«>BCue of Ji-suil I'rit-st. 
Di-struction of ScheniTtady. Mciuorial Paintinjr. Dutch Ancestry. Robert 
Sanders. Orders to Armorer 128 Years Ago. Cjuaiut Letters, 1 

tTlAPTER II. 

('OI.OXIAL IliSTonY : Robert Sanders to Sir William Jolinsnn. The same to 
Col. \N'fn«lell. Same to (teneral Lyman. Same to New IIam])shire Conmiitt<H>. 
Same to Thomas llubbanl. (Jen. Wolfe at (Quebec. Robert Sanders to Richard 
Wil)ird. Aunt Scluiyler'« Mannion Burnt. A Spicy L«'tter. Death of Robert 
Sanders. Chrirttian Stadle's Patent. Col. Pliili]) Van i{ena.selaer. AlFray at 
Boston. Destruction <if Tea. (.ieneral Schuyler to Philip Van Rensselaer. Robert 
Ray to same. Col. Ethan Alien. Firin;: fr<mi the A.sia. Committee of One 
Hundre<l. Campai;;n in Canada. I merest injf Letters. Listof OHicersand SjxhIs 
Taken. Ca|)ture of Col. Allen. Deatli of Mont^jomery. TeunisTs. Van Vechtea 
to Philip Van Rensselaer. Abraham P. Lott to same. Richartl Varick to same. 
Daniel Hale. Henry <ilen to same. Early Rt>ceipt8. Declaration of IndejK'nd- 
ence. Christopher Yates to P. Van Rensselaer, 24 

CARTER III. 

SinuENDEU OF BuuooVNE : General Hendrick K. Van Rensselaer. Burjroyne 
at Ticondero^a. Hoist inn Cannon. Battle of Fort .\nn. Van Rensselaer Severely 
Wounile«l. Silver Balls. Battle of Sanito^ra. Van .Mstyne (loes as a Spv. 
Surrender of Burgoyne's Army. Col. Nicholas Van l{ens.«*elaer Sent Express to 
Albany. (Jreat l)oinjfs. Army Recei]its. Col. VVaponer at Fort Stanwix. 
0«'nenil <lan84'V(Kirt. Han Yost. Daniel Hale to Philip Van Renss<daer. Capt. 
Freilerick Visscher and Sir John Jolins<>n. Attack of the Visschers. Aunty Put- 
man. (General Wa.xhinjrton at Sciienectady. Cornelius Ray to Philip Van Rens- 
s«'laer. (ieneral Stei>lien Van Uei^selaer. A Return to Lonl Sterlin^r. I^'tters 
from Yale College. Timothy Pickerinj;. (n-n. (Jansevoort to Philij) Van Rens- 
s«'laer. Weddinj; Invitations 90 years ajfo. Dancinjj As8«-mbly in 1791. Wash- 
\ni!^.tm' » Jion Itipi>s. Union College Committee to (Jen. Schuyler. P. Van Rens- 
Si'laer to George Clint<.in, 5ti 

CHAPTER IV. 

Qkneual Wayxk's Campaign: Gen. St. (Tlalr's Surjiriso. Appointment of 
Gen. Wayne. Solomon Van RensH«'laer. .Marchinjr Orders fnmi Gen. Knox. Far 
West. Abstract of Sundries. Cummisaion for Captoiu. Capt. Campbell to Capt. 



iv Contents. 

Van Rensselaer. Capt. Turner to same. Lieut. N. I. Vissclier to same. Sorrel 
Troop. Gen. Wilkinson Tests the Metal. Garden Destroyed. An Offset. In- 
dians Troublesome. Battle of the Miami. Indians Routed. Capt. Van Rensselaer 
Severely Wounded. Extract of Capt. Campbell's Will. Little Turtle. Capt. 
Van Rensselaer to Lieut. Visscher. The same to Gen Wayne. Several Letters 
from Officers. K. K. Van Rensselaer to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Henry Cuyler 
not Dead, °^ 

CHAPTER V. 

EtJROPEAN Trip in 1795: Lieut. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Fort 
Wayne. Lieut. Posey to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Robert S. Van Rensselaer to his 
Sister. James Cuyler to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Letter from Amsterdam. Secre- 
tary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Capt. Webb to same. Lieut. Blue to same. 
West Point Letters. Sol. Van Rensselaer to Secretary of War. Capt. Van Rens- 
selaer to his Cousin. Dutch Letter. Mr. and Mrs. Church. Visit to Blenheim 
House. Duke of Malborough. Magnificent Park. Wedding Invitation. Maria 
Gansevocat. Abraham Hun. Tea Party,.- 109 

CHAPTER VL 

Cumberland Line : Tender Surveillance. Marriage. Marcbing Orders. In- 
teresting Route. Letters and Diary. Down the Ohio in Flat Boat. Fort Wash- 
ington. Lexington Letter. Gen. Wilkinson to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Knoxville. 
Cherokee Indians Dissatisfied. Lieut. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Richard 
Varick to Philip Van Rensselaer. Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 
Letter from Fort Niagara. Major of Calvary, 130 

CHAPTER VIL 

Troublous Times : Death of General Washington. Mrs. Adams's Drawing 
Room Deferred. Funeral Procession in Albany. General Hamilton to Secretary 
of War. Same to Gen. Wilkinson. Governor Jay to Secretary of War. Gen. 
Wilkinson to Major Van Rensselaer. Duel in West Indies. " Shoot him on the 
Spot." Adjutant General. Death of General Schuyler. Judge Van Ness to 
Sol. Van Rensselaer. " Liberty and Equality." Political Elements in Albany. 
E. C. Genet's Counter Statement. Federalist's Meeting. Republican Meeting. 
Affray. Gov. Tayler to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Statement of facts by Federal Com- 
mittee 150 , 

CHAPTER VIIL 

Speech ok Hon. Elisha Wh.liams : Elisha Jenkins vs. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer vs. John Tayler. The same vs. Charles D. Cooi)er. The 
same vs. Francis Bloodgood. Awards in the Several Cases. Elisha Williams. 
Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. First Steamboat. Several Letters 
from Judge Van Ness. Gov. Morgan Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Several 
Letters. Gen. Van Rensselaer to the Public. Same to William Simmons. John 
P. Van Ness to Judge Van Ness. Gen. Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Death 
of General Gansevoort, 170 



CHAPTER IX. 

Declaration op War in 1812 : Maj. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer in Com- 
mand of Forces. Adj. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer as Aid-decamp. Deparljure of 
General and Suite. Entertainments. John Lovett as Secretary and Military Aid. 
Interesting Letters. Sackctts Harbor. Ogdeusburgh. Sol. "Van Reussi-laer to 
his Wife. Gt'u. Van Rensselaer to Governor Tompkins. Tour of Inspection. 
Queer Night Quarters. Oswego. Niagara Frontier. Destitute State of the Army. 
Head Quarters. Gen. Wadsworth. Armistice. " Solomon Van Rensselaer's 



Contents. v 

Diplomacy." Major 8. S. Forman. Jacob Ton Eyck. Sol. Van Kena<»«*laor to 
hia Wiff. Ofnonil Br(x;k. Surrender of Hull's Army. Gen. Van Hen«6».laf r to 
Muj. (ieu. Dtjarborn, ^'J4 

CHAPTER X. 

("RiTrcAi. Situation op the U. S. Aumy : (ioneral Orders. Gen. Dearlwm 
to (Jen. Van UeiiHselaer. (Jen. Van Rennm-laer to .Major (Jen. Sheafle. Maj. (ien. 
Brock to iivB. Van Rensselaer. (Jen. Van Kensselwr to (It-n. Dearborn. Con- 
BcientiouB Scruples. U. S. Troojis Should not be "Hulled." (Jen. Bnx'k's Procla- 
mation. Sj)icy Letters. C'ontemi>lat«tl Duel, (leneral Ordt-rs. Major I>jvett to 
Abraham Van Vi-chten. Captain Jenniajjs's Poetical Order. Cien. Van Rens- 
8«?laer to (Jeneral Bnx-k. Col. Van Reiis84'laer to Abraham Van Vt-chtrn. Capt. 
Whistler. Coltinel Van Renswlaer to (itiicral Lewis. .Major Cuyler to Col. Van 
Rensa«'laer. Prisoners of War. Revukin;; Sentence of Death. Major Ixivelt's 
Letters 213 



CHAPTER XI. 

B.vm.E ON QrEENSTON Hekjiits: Col. Marinas Willett to Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer, (ten. Smyth to (len. Van Rensselaer. " Rebukes (ten. Smyth's Imj)erti- 
nence." Pro|)ose<l Council of Officers. Death of Major Cuyler. Col. Van Rensselaer 
to his Wife. Preparatiims to Cross the River. Lieutenant Sim. General Brock's 
Last Letter. Col. Van Rens!*.-laer Visita the British Side. Brass Howitzfrs 
Reco;rnize<l. Invasion of Canada. Col. Van Ren8s«'la«'r Seven-ly Wounded. 
Captain Wool in Command. Maji>r Lovett's Battery. Loss of Hearing;. Gen. 
Vtfn Rensselaer to Secretary of War. Cowardice of the Militia, 238 

CHAPTER XII. 

Rtxic.N.vTioN OF .MA.roK Gkn. Stkimien Van Rensselaer : Lieut. Col. Scott. 
Encounter with Indians. OtHcial Letters. Gen. Wadsworth to Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer Major Lovett's Interesting Letters. Col. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
Exchanjje of Prisoners. Gen. Sheaffe to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Regret that Col. 
Van Rensselaer was NVound«Kl. Offers A.-^siatance. Resin-ct shown Gen. Brock's 
Remains. Briif. (ten. Evans. S«'veral L«'tt<'rs. Capt. \Vck)1 to Col. Van Rens- 
s«*laer. (lovernor Tompkins, (ten. Van Renss4'laer's Public Recepticm at .Miiany. 
Removal of Col. Van Ri-nss<'laer to Butl'jilo. Noble Ofli-r. NewSouj;. Gen. Van 
Rens-si'liiiT to Col. Van Rens-Ht-laer. li<'lurn to Albany. Col. Van Renssidaer's 
HonoriHl Rt-ception. Judj^e Van Ness to Col. Van Rensselaer. Address of Wash- 
ington Benevolent Society 260 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Ma.ior John IvOvett's Election to the 1:Jth Conoiikss: J.Robinson to 
Col. Van Rensselaer. Dr. Cy renins ChapLii to same, (tenerals Smyth and Porter. 
Revif\^»f (juei'nston Battle. Challenge fnmi Peter B. Porter to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer. Major l>n-ett's Statement. Soldier's Friend. Maj. Lfjvett to S«dom(»n 
Southwick. Robert .Macomb to sjime. Governor Tompkins. Col. Van Rensse- 
laer's Letter. En&ninter U'twivn Maj. I^ovett and Gen. Porter. Eli-cted to 
Conjfress. Lovett's Letters from Washin^m. Prince of Schaghticoke, 283 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Inteuestino Letpeks kkom Washincjton : John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Same to Sol. Van Renss«daer. No Artist Reprvwnt a Dtof Man. Enemy Near. 
Peril to the Cai)itnl. Gen. Wilkinson Ordennl North. Gov. Tompkins to Sol. 
Van Ren!»»elaer. Major General. Invitation to acc«mipany (ten. Wilkins<m. Sol. 
Van Renss«'laer to (ton. Wilkinwm. General Hull's Court .Martial. Sentenced to 
be Shot. The "Albany (iuill." " Georjfe M. Bibb to J. J. Critt<-ntlen." Col. Fen- 
wick to Sol. Van Rens.s«'laer. (Jen. .Vrmstronjf. Enemy at Washinjfton. Defense 
of New York. Letters, 303 



vi Contents. 



CHAPTER XV. 

% 

Honors to Ma.t. Gen. Richard Montgomery: Major Lovett to Sol. Van 
Rcnsselftt^r. Judj^e Van Ness to same. Uen. Van Rensselaer to same. Death 
of Geu. H. K. Van Rensselaer. Gen. Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. General Orders. 
Adjutant General at Whitehall. Official Report. Bearers at Albany. Montgom- 
ery's Remains to New York. Death of Major Lovett. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Sol. 
Van Rensselaer. Judge Van Ness to same. Solomon Van Rensselaer Elected 
to the 16th Congress. Home Letters. Several Letters from Gov. Lewis and 
Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Judge Spencer to same, 323 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Missonai Compromise : Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dr. Van 
Rensselaer to sanity Visit to Mount Vesuvius. Several Letters from Governor 
Clinton. Visit to Mount Vernon. Death of Commodore Decatur. Judge McKown 
to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Impeachment and Acquittal. Falling of Chandelier. 
lElection of Speaker Tayler. Missouri Constitution. " Rascally Post Masters." 
Gov. Clinton to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Judge Van Ness to same. Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer to his Wife. Henry Clay's Resolution. Missouri Compromise. Charles 
G. Haines to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Home Letters, 344 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Appointment of Albany Post Master : Tribute of Respect. Removal of 
Adjutant General. Re-election to the Seventeenth Congress. Judge Van Ness 
to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Death of Major N. I. Visscher. Gov. Clinton to Sol. 
Van Rensselaer. Sol. Van Rensselaer to the Patroon. Judge McKnown to Sol. 
Van Rensselaer. Appeal to the Post Master General. Sol. Van Rensselaer to 
Dr. Bay. Appointed Post Master. "Billy Winne the Penny Post. " Resignation 
of Sol. Van Rensselaer. John D. Dickinson to Sol. Van Rensselaer. W' alter 
Patterson to same ... 366 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer Elected to Congress : Correspondence 
about Albany Post Office. John D. Dickinson to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Walter 
Patterson to same. AUhid Conkling to same. Joshua Cushman to same. Fire 
at Mount Hope. Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Joseph Delaplaine to same. 
Gen. Van Renssi;laer Takes his Seat. Suspicious Persons. Several Letters from 
the Patroon. Judge Conkling to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Joseph C. Yates Elected 
Governor. Letters. Death of Judge Van Ness. Henry Clay to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer. Eastern Section of Erie Canal Completed. Dinner and Ball at Albany. 
Gov. Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Several Letters, 388 

CHAPTER XIX. ^ 

Visit ok Geineral the Marquis de La Fayette : General Orders. Arrival 
ofLaFayette. Col. Elliott to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Gen. LaFayette's Visit to 
Albany. Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. J. B. Stuart to same. Progress of 
La Fayette. Escort to Massachusetts Line, Lebanon Springs Hotel Register. 
Governor Clinton's Visit to Ohio. His Enthusiastic Reception. Dinner to Gen. 
Sol. Van Rensselaer at Dcitroit. Speech of the Mayor. Gen. Van Rensselaer's 
Reply 411 

CHAPTER XX. 

Ekte Canai, Celebration : Completion of Canal. Passage of Boats. Delega- 
tion from .Mbany. Celebration in New York City. A(|uatic Procession. Cere- 
mony by (iovernor Clinton, (irand Canal Ball. Several Letters. Visit to 
Queenston Battle Ground.' Horrible Assassination. Visit to Albany Jail. 
Execution of Jesse Strang. Death of Gov. De Witt Clinton. Funeral, 424 



Contents. vii 



C'llAl'TKU XXI. 

IifTEHESTlNO LETTERS KliOM SoiTii A.MKUKA : (Jc'nt'ral Ilarriwin to Sol, Vuu 
Ruii.s84<laor, aud his AiiHwur. Ditpartun^ ot H«tnHH<<liuT Van UwnH8<-la«T. Ij«'tt<r 
to hit) P'ulhtT. Morm Ptt««a^f. I'TcparntinnH lor Pirat<>«. Frij^liti'iHnl Freiirli- 
nian. Boca C'iiica. Sliip on a Hocf. .\j)|)roHrli to the PciiiiiHiiIa. CiiHtle of 8t. 
PhilipiM". Carthuifeiia. I^ilwriy to Tliirty Slaves. Cap of Frc'i'<loni. F«!Htivj- 
ti«*H of tilt' IIolidavH. FurtlKT I'roirn-ss. (."ocou Tn-fH. Mah<>;raiiy Tn-t-H. ('ri>\vn 
of Ht-auty. Forest Hi hIm. Black .Moiiki-yn. Cauiin' Justic*'. Arrival at Barniii- 
(]uilla. VVarui VVolcoini-. Bolivar ou the .March. I'opayaii in Commotion. Cit-n. 
Van litiDSHolaer to his Son, 430 

CEIAPTEIl XXII. 

South Ameuican Lkttkks Continikd : HcnsHflat-r Van UcnHwlacr to his 
Fath»«r. Visit to Santa Martha. Lar^ff K<<1 Monki-ys. Manj^rove Tn-es. Fort 
at Point Savinilla. Contest U-twrrn a Full tirown Nfjfro ami P'itirce Ti^i-r. 
Titrrcs-s Kill(<d by a Younjr Niinnnl. Duck t«uni»inir on thi-" Hoza." Advcniuro 
with a Vt-nomourt Snaki'. Letters fn)m (li-n. Ilarri.son. New Am-cdoto of (ien. 
Jackson. Phases of Society. A Christeniti;; t.'onduded with a Waltz. Cigars. 
Fencing Exercise. S|>anish Funeral. 'l"he Carnival. Palm Sunday. Post . Master 
(General to (len. Van Uensselaer. 'riiomus P. .MiM)re Su|M'rse«les (ieii. Ilarri.son. 
Strenuous Eflorts to Etl'ect (len. Van Ueiisselaer's Removal. Ueu. Arm.strong to 
Judge Spencer. Baxr&uquilla Letters, 45o 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

SoTTrn American Letters Contini'eb: Sailing np the Rivor Majrdalena. 
John «}len Ni-arly Killed by tlu; Carai-cas Earthquake. His Cami)aiirn under 
(ien. Montillo. Antic Tricks of Monkeys. Cnwodilea. Savannas. .Arrival at 
MomiMix. An .Adventure with tlie (iovernor. (Jov. Van Ness. K<lward Livini;- 
ston and Pierre Van Cortlandt to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Pftinia^re of the .Macaws. 
Oran^re liroves. Bannana.s. Pine Apples. Allijjators Hatchiuif Place for Tent. 
Sylvan Nymphs. Indian Hamlets. Dilllcult \Vhirl|>ools. .Nearly a Traj^ical 
Event. Steep .Acclivity. Riittle Snakes Warning. Disembarked at Honda. Re-^ 

Eirt of Gen. Harrison's Removal. Pleasant Li>tters. (iovernor Provid«-s an 
uf^liab Saddle. Mounted on Sure-footinl Mules. Ascending the Andes 476 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

S(»i Til .\mi:iu< \n Lktikhs Continued: Halt at (iauduas. .New Tarirt" by 
(Jen. Bolivar. Colonel Campbell. Bolivar in Peru. Pictures<jue Valley. Plain 
of Bogota, H.'2'2() Feet .\bi)ve the Sea Spanish Cavalcades. .\|)|warance of Country. 
Arrival at B<i;jota. United States Legation. (General Harrison's Warm Welcome. 
Splendid Rout on July 4th. Making Calls. The Duenmis Surveillance. Sun- 
day tlie Hala <lay. Gambling Universjil. Visit to Natural Bridge of Pandi. 
Stair cas*^' .Mountain. Terrific Looking Hole. Novel Dinner Party. The Belles 
of Fusugazuga. Bull Fight, .' 499 

CHAPTER XXV. 

South Amkuican Lf:tteus Continued: Rensselaer Van Rena.selaer to his 
Father. Roblwrs Attacking Mail Boat. Spanish Customs. Ftishionable .\la- 
meda. Excursions. L)fty .Vndes. (Jen. B<ilivar's Country Seat. Threatening 
Placanls. Home Letters. S«'rious Accident to Dr. James McNaughten, Daniel 
Webster to Sol. Van Reuss^daer. Falls of T»'<iuendaina. .Arrival of Minister 
Moofe. Distrust in City. General Conlova. Pn-sentaiion of Col. M<Min> to the 
Spanish (iovernment. Spt-eches. (ien. Harrison Visits Her British Majesty's 
Consul at Anolnyma. Venerable Arch Bishop's Recejition. Dei^isitions at War 
Ollice. An I'ngrateful Miscreant, Singular Conduct of .Moure, (iailant Ksi>ousal 
of Gen. Harrison's Caurn;. Intriguers at Work. Perilous Journey. Passports. 
General (Jordova, 516 



NOTE . 



In printing the correspondence ■vvbicli is presented in tlie following 
pages, it was decided to give each writer the benefit of his own peculiarity 
of style in every respect, as well in orthography, punctuation, and the 
use of capital letters, as in all other matters. The letters are faithful 
transcripts of th% originals, and the reader will observe, not only the 
great extent of the correspondence and the wide range of topics embraced, 
but also the abundance of new facts in the history of these men and of 
the times in which they lived, here brought to light. 



Lecucy of IIistokical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Legacy — Why Beqi iaj iikd. 

" Conif, Aunty, now tell of the years that are jmst, 
And those ' «<>ul-Htirrin>r times' in which ' loved ones' were caat ; 
Of early rainpnij;ns when dear (irandfather fought 
Kor AiniTicaii fn-cdnni b<> valiantly hounht ! 
When firm hearts were wrnn^, as the battle ra^ed wild 
Yet, ' Ai* lurif/s <H/zing bltiotl, irith cuniplactnrf he mnil'd /' ' 
(»ive scenes of sweet peare where lovt's nujniories cling, 



NOTE 



In printing the correspondence which is presented in the following 
pages, it was decided to give each writer the benefit of his own peculiarity 
of style in every respect, as well in orthography, punctuation, and the 

e -__;j.„i i„+4.„^ „„ ;„ „n ^♦l,^,. mot+ora The, lett.pra arp. fnitlifnl 



ERRATA. 

I'agc ;i, line 10 from the bottom, for become, read became. 

18, line 11) from the top, for 1847 read 1747. 

37, line 19 from the top omit •' and Elizabeth Schuyler.'''' 

71, line (J from the bottom, for came, read come. 

!)1-, line 14 from the top, for Henry R. Van Rensselaer, read Henry K. 
103, 8tli line from bottom is omitted •^more than 20 years before^' and should read. 

instead of the tender ai^e, at that tender age. 
lot), line !( from the bottom, for run down, read sun down. 
119, line (i from the bottom for 73, read 80 years. 
182, line 22 from the bottom, for on advocate read an advocate. 

182, line 17 from bottom, for suppassing read surpassing. 

183, line (i frotn the top for military poet, read military post. 

184, line 10 from the bottom, for ls(iS read 1808. 

193, line 10 from the top, for was erected, read were erected. 
195, line 17 from the top, for moved on, read moved to. 
199, line 17 from tlic top, for Hendedict read Benedict. 
211, liye 9 from the top, for Buchephalus read Bucephalus. 
iW, line 2:5 from the lop, tor I hope, read I have. 
2:i0, line 10 from the bottom, for human man, read humane man. 
254, line 22 from the top. the word "o/"' is omitted. 
2(i0, line 1 at the top, for and take, read to take. 
309, line 20 from toj), for the. read he nobly re-instated. 
318, line 4 from the top, for to the securing, read to the scnitiny. 
320, line 24 from the bottom, for 1804 read 1814. 
324, line 11 from the top, for Wixxl icad IFooi. 
S24, line 28, lor party, read part. 

.32,5, line 4 troui the top for their epidemic, read this epidemic. 
:i'J8, line 22 from the top. lorMorrell. read Monell. 
*W, line 24 from top for Robert read .ilberi. 
3!K), line 30 from the bottom, for 1322, read 1822. 
:jyi, line 2 from the top. for that the one. lead than the one. 
431, line from (he bottom, for .\lden Trimble, read Allen Tr'irnble. 
.143. line 17 from the top, for There read These. 
4,50, Hue 2 from tlie top, for knew, read know. 
47.3, line 2 from the top, for Mompo, read .Moinpox. 
47.5, line 10 from the bottom '-to the" is omitted {to the contrary). 
475, line 9 from the top, for so beautiful read so bountiful. 
487, line 22 from the bottom, for lloues read Hone. 
502, line 2 from the top, for morning to, read morning too. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CIIArTER I. 
The liKdACY — Why Bequeathed. 

" Come, Aunty, now tell of tln' years that are jmst. 
And those ' wiul-stirrin); tinu-s' in which 'loved ones' were cast; 
Of early canipui^jns wlien di-ar (inindtiitlier fought 
Fi>r AnnTiean fn-edoni 8<> valiantly l)i>uj^ht! 
\Vhen firm hearts were wrunn, as the battle raped wild 
Yet, ' Aw lurif/a wning blood, with complacincf he itinil'd /' ' 
Give scenes of sweet jK-ace where love's memories elintf, 
As bright visions of joy, or keen 8orrt)w they ttinp ; 
Relate what you saw in the jjn'at jjlohe you spann'd, 
In Jaimn, ciuaint and niystir, ' The Flowery Land.' 
And ni)w as frnm Chaos, bri^^ht ])icture8 you trace, 
In my fond heart your record shall deep find a place." 

Ilattie said one morning, •• Aunt Cuy, you have been now twice around 
the world, many very interestiu<j scenes of that extensive tour are da- 
guerreotyped, juost certainly, on your wind ; let the Lcfracy you becjueath 
to me, compri.se a chronicle of thecarefuily hoarded incidents in your truly 
eventful life, interwoven with the traditionary antecedents of our luout 
noble hutch patriarchs, back from the very beginning!" 

Humph I Quite a modest re<juest from a pleasing young lady in the 
budding Spring-time of joyous life, to a serenely <|uiet Mi.-^sionHry widow, 
of over half a century, in hoary and chilly Autumn's sere decadence! 
I have been thinking over, during weary vigils, her expressed desire, shall 
I acquiesce '{ 

Kev. Henry Ward lieccher makes this sweeping a.s8ertion against inact- 
ivity : " Kaeh individual must produce .something, must do something to- 
ward benefiting the condition of hi.s fellow individual, in order to fulfill in 
some measure the ends for which lie was created." 

Yes, we fully agree with the clerical gentleman, and are convinced 
that even the '' Little matters of daily occurrence are of greater import- 
ance in social life, than great matters of rare occurrence; and personal 
behavior in trifle.s is jiroductive of the greatest amount of social and 
domestic pleasure and pain." Now as we are fully posted as to our duty 

' " I iH'held hiui (Cnpt. Solomon Van Hens.s<'laer), in a gallant charffe at the 
head of his tro<i|>, shot through the b<Kly, and with tiie blootl ooziug from his 
lungs, still smiling with complacency." — Wilkiiiaon'B Memoirs. 

1 



2 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

in. the premises, we are also impressed most forcibly with the reminder 
of these potent " Three suggestions : . 

" First. Go to no place where you cannot ask God to go with you. 

" Second. Engage in no business which you cannot ask. God to bless. 

" Third. Indulge in no pleasure for which you cannot return thanks to 
God." 

Therefore, as we propose keeping these instructions in view, we will 
modestly yield to pressing entreaties and strive, as a graphic narrator, to 
portray "our past" in a tableau vivant. 

" Autobiographies are not often very popular, but when supplemented 
by personal recollections may possibly be productive of benefit to others ;" 
and realizing that all your sympathies will be enlisted, and harmonize 
with the incitement which finally determined me to comply with your 
flattering persuasions, I have cheerfully undertaken the pleasing task. 
Fearing I may not be specially well qualified for this work of delineation 
and cosmography, must trust to your partial indulgence to excuse any 
flagrant imperfections in not wielding skillfully the events portrayed. 

"The ancients eraulously encouraged one another, by the remembrance 
of the heroic deeJs of their ancestors, to vigilance in peaceful times, and 
to intrepidity in the hour of danger. Every thing among the Greeks 
conduced to plant in their hearts the most heroic courage, by the remem- 
brance of their ancestors, whose principles and sentiments were the spur 
to the noblest actions. The lowest Greeks were exalted to a level with 
their greatest chiefs by a glorious death ; their memory was renewed by 
the most solemn ofi"ering to the latest posterity, and their images were 
placed next to tliose of the Gods." 

The same clannish pride, produced by the remembrance of the hero- 
ism and valor of our ancestors, makes it a precious privilege to a daughter 
of the Van Rensselaer family to record, the " ways and means " or 
devious paths, by which its members, (together with the ^greater part 
of other illustrious personages, to whom allusion is necessarily made from 
the intimate linking and intwining of co-existent events,) have passed to, 
" That undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns," 
where " Immortality is their birthright and inheritance." With increased 
avidity and some degree of anxiety we shall " await the public verdict 
upon this work, " and although laid open to, we would wish to disarm 
criticism by frankly confessing we do not expect our first and last essay 
in " book making " to be faultless, far from it. In 1831 my brother 
llensselaer Van Rensselaer, under the signature of Clio, arranged some 
numbers of autographical sketches at the instance of an advertisement in 
i\\Q Albany Daily J[f/«er<isCT*, published by a Committee of the Albany 
Institute appointed for the purpose of collecting materials for a contemplated 
history of Albany. The communications seem to have been satisfactory 
from the following notice which soon after appeared: " The Committee 
of the Albany Institute, who are preparing a history of the city, acknow- 
ledge the receipt of some very valuable papers from an unknown corres- 
pondent, to whom they tender their thanks, with the hope that the residue 
of the information therein promised may be forwarded as early as possible. — 
C. R. Webster, Cltn." 

Clio requested, if it would not be infringing upon any of their es- 
tablished regulations, after the p\iblication, to have his original effusions 
returned entire to him. This was accordingly done, and those sketches 
are now iu my possession and interwoven in this record of historical 



Legacy of Historical Gleamncs. 3 

ploaninjrs. " All books are properly the record of tlie history of past 
men." What tliuu<^lits past iik-ii had in tliciii ; what uctions pa.st men «iiJ ; 
the summary of all books, whatsoever, lies there. ''The past history of 
one's own native country is a broad beaten hiuliway for every traveler " 

As it is not pleasant to bo char^iCii with pla>^iarism I would frankly 
state, in this coutpilement of materials, 1 have had access to my father's 
letters and papers, with the benefit of Clio's journal as an auxiliary. 
And followin<; in the footsteps of assiduous reapers iti the historical field 
have also gleaned from General Wilkiusi>n"s Memoirs; Lossing's Field 
Book ol" the Revolution ; Lo.ssinf^'s War of 1812 ; Stone's l..ife of Joseph 
Brant; Simms's Border Wars of New York ; Thaeher's Military Journal ; 
Writings of S. Wells Williams, LL.D. ; and gathered a cluster of extracts 
with selections from such other sources, which have been grouped together 
as best suited the gleaner's fancy. I^eaving each admiring reader at 
liberty to consider any appropriations of their writings, to illustrate more 
fully what we wish to detail, as a compliment to their productions, for 
"Our wishes are presentments of our capabilities." 

The greatest ditficulty which the fox hunter experiences when engaged 
in his favorite jiastime of reaping game, is to find the trail. That dis- 
covered, he follows " the true nosed pack " iu its unerring course and 
eventually overtakes the object of his eager pursuit. Not so in the his- 
torian's sphere His chief difliculty in finding the trail of circumstances 
best calculated to make his work yield solid, nutritive food, to be authentic, 
most useful, entertaining, complete and of course widely popular, is equally 
as great and onerous; he may glean diligently but he must depend in 
very many cases upon his own perseverance and ingenuity to trail out 
and to worry down his game. In ranging those vast and unfrc(|uented 
hunting grounds of Memory, it is not extraordinary that many traditions 
and viva-vuce narrations, with a "bit of personal history" which used to 
delight my youthful fancy " in auld lang sync," should have been da- 
puerreotyped on my mind and still adhere to my recollections in uncon- 
nected fragments. Accordingly, as these "yesterday's telegrams" of our 
exploratory researches are received I'rom the great storehou.se, we will 
endeavor to put in a detailed account of persons and things. Thus from 
a mass of biographical matter we also will select the whole, or parts of 
letters penned by notable persons and others who are naturally grouped 
with tin ni, intersper.sed with a few extracts of home letters, which portray 
the workings of the inner man ; giving also a desultory survey of the 
political field at that period. As all our needed Prefatory is contained in 
this opening chapter, and being a first cousin of the ancient and veritable 
Diedrich Knickerbocker, will start as so authoritatively requested " back 
from the beginning" in historic gleanings. Our great progenitors, the 
Ish and Isha, were created perfect in the image of God, though most un- 
fortunately after a time the Isha become a " Woman's Rights" convert 
and transmitted to posterity the seeds of disobedience. Their descendants, 
the great family of mankind, consisted of the "five races: the Caucasian, 
or white race; the Mongolian, or yellow race; the African, or black 
race; the Malay, or brown race; and the American, or red race ;" the 
lineage of these is worthy of the parent stock. 

If we put on our " seven league boot**," after many long strides, wc 
shall find, verified from the most authentic sources, that the clever inhabit- 
ants of Holland, our " Kadder Icindt; " Mother England and our sponsor 
France (who chivalrously stood up for us in feeble infancy, forming 



4 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

the tbree-cord nncleus of American strength or durability), constitute 
our little coterie of civilized Caucasians whose pedigree dates buck from 
the notable Ish and Isha. 

The incipient teachings of the " strong minded" were clearly demon- 
strated when a few of the wayward children broke loose from the whole- 
some, or arbitrary restraint of the good old mother's tyrannical exactions. 
Enlisting under the banner of King Immanuel and guided by a star 
from Heaven, " countless myriads " of our past ancientry, took their 
journey " into a far country." In the trying exigences of our noble 
Pilgrim fathers' first experiment in this " land of the free." many of 
thedevoted band soon found their final resting spot in the forest hill 
cemetery where the entombed dead reposed beneath the gay autumnal 
leaves The Mayflower's passengers landed on Plymouth rock Decem- 
ber 21st. "A dreary prospect was before them ; on one side lay a vast 
wilderness covered with a snowy mantle, on the other, rolled the broad 
Atlantic, yet their trust in God remained unshaken on those inhospitable 
shores." The survivors "acquired their perfection only in the pure atmo- 
sphere and golden sunlight of Christianity." It is the patient narrator 
who records their prosperity as they rise ; who blazons forth the splendor 
of their noontide meridian; who props their feeble memorials as they 
totter to decay ; who gathers together their scattered fragments as they 
rot ; and who piously, at length, collects their ashes into the mausoleum 
of his work, and rears a monument that will ever transmit their renown 
to all succeeding ages. Indeed events are nothing without the faithful 
delineations of the impartial historian." 

This, too, is December 7th. St. Nicholas's Day ; quite a happy coinci- 
dence. The annual return of the festival of St. Nicholas, the patron saint 
of the Dutchman, was always to me a jubilee, a pleasant retrospect, an 
epoch that recalled the delight of childish days, when permitted to go 
and see the beautiful room brilliantly illuminated — not with jets of gas — 
but sperm candles, and appropriately decorated in festoons and with 
clusters of choice ever-greens. The walls were tastefully draped with nu- 
merous flags, while the ensign of Holland, the society's banner of Oraxje 
BovEN was conspicuously displayed and graced the head of the room ; 
and from immediately above the ample chair of the venerable president, 
a large artificial suu shot forth its deep crimson rays with a fine effect. 
" The standards of the various societies of the city, and of the military 
corps, interspersed with the interesting and curious collection of rare 
paintings were really exceedingly attractive to both old and young." 

On the tables, upon the walls, and along the ceiling, the notable Orange 
emblems were arranged with good taste. Conservatories contributed their 
choicest flowers to beautify and embellish the feast and shed their sweet 
fragrance around. " A numerous company sat down to a sumptuous 
entertainment at seven o'clock ; good cheer and kind feelings were mingled 
with pleasing recollections of the history of the country of their descent 
and of their ancestors who settled in this good land." 

Dutchmen " never do things by halves, especially when a good dinner 
is the object of their particular solicitude." The bountifully spread table 
was uniformly heavily loaded and groaning under the richly seasoned 
viands ; the dinner prepared and served without fail, in a very superior 
style and decorous manner for the notable and worthy burghers of those 
" wassel days." " An abundant dinner and good living was from time 



Legacy of Uistorical Gleanings. 5 

immcraorial a fundamental part of the creed of an open handed and whole 
hearted shy Dutchman who was impervious to innovations." 

The entire affair was always conducted with admirable success. Nothing 
sei'tncd to be lackiiii; of national dishes: sufutan en mtlk, hoo/d hn(i», 
/ '' ' <. hieitjfs en puafJieH, worst, krulletjees, kool slaa, heel en koiul, 
/./'•a, and other primitive luxuries. At this "annual stuffing 
as a matter of course there were also myriads of foreijjn dishes : 
sturgeon or Albany bed", pickled and boiled ; savory venison, turkeys, 
pii^eons, pastry and dainties of all kind.s. These respected sires •' tenderly 
cherished the pious thought that they owed all their enjoyments to tho 
Divine Source of beneficence, towhom they were finally accouiiUible for their 
actions, and gratitude was now uppermost." The venerated Dominie 
invoked a blessing and then the pleased gormandizers di.scu3sed tho merits 
of the splendid banquet according to their own maxim, " more than 
enough constitutes a feast." Yaas ! yaas ! the dinner excellent, the wine 
delicious, the toasts patriotic, the fine band discoursing music most 
enlivening, all contributing to their pleasures and no occasion to vent any 
stock of spleen. Abraham Van Vechten, Esfj., president of the society, 
presided with his usual urbanity and accustomed acceptance to all ; for 
there was, in this just assemblage, a tacit acknowledgment of his su- 
periority and pre-eminence even with his honored compeers. After re- 
moving the cloth, " Standing toasts and volunteer toasts " were given, 
among which : IJy the president, " Holland the land of our fathers, and 
the cradle of civil and religious liberty beyopd the Atlantic." Many of 
the toasts were choice and pithy. 

'' Ilet Vaderlandt, The land of the free and the home of the brave." 
" Santa (Maus, the warm hearted friend of children ; long may he tra- 
vel and find good roads. 

" The fair sex of Holland — the fairest volume in the library of Nature." 
By General Solomon Van Rennsselaer: '■^Gesonth>:itl en voorspoed aan 
St. Clous en xyn nageslachtcn' (health and prosperity to St. Nicholas and 
his posterity). 

Hy the plate of each true born aristocrat, (united to each other by the 
strong ties of con.«anguinity.)was placet! the snow-whito clay pipe with 
stem half a yard long, and the bowl of it decorated with wide orange color 
ribbon, Oranje Jiovm, of two yards long. After the appetite was fully 
satiated, they seemed to expend all their vivacity in the much loved pipe, 
well stuffed with the fragrant tofxik us they tranquilly smoked ; puffing 
away the vapor with an impetus, that sent it in graceful wreaths, float- 
ing above and soon forming an impervious cloud. What a solace one 
whiff" from that long pipe appeared to give I The countenance had an air 
of tranquility and decorum, as they contemplated, with evident satisfaction, 
the orange colored cockade as a badge on their coats, or the same color 
ribbon through the button-hole of some buckish scion. These good burgh- 
ers were happy; " the inner man was at peace with himself," and every 
thing went off" charmingly as a decided success, even though they were 
so far away from the fatherland. " The inhabitants of a city built on the 
foundations of Fort Orange have a grateful recollection of their Dutch 
forefathersj anda just estimate of their quiet way of doing things, together 
with the noble achievements of an ancestry which can never be sufficiently 
praised while 

' The Oranjjr banner h« of old, 
Still waves in many a flapping fold, 
The patriot heart to draw." 



6 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

Then, too, the good St. Nicholas was not oblivious of the " little ones" 
either at the Anniversary Festival or the ujerry Christmas time. 
" 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all tliro' the house 
Xot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ; 
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there ; 
The children were nestled all snug in their beds. 
While visions of sugar-plums danced through their heads." 

His coveted gifts were always found in the well filled hose hung up 
so conspicuously in the chimney corner, making many little hearts joyous 
beyond expression at the stirring sight before them. 

" They laughed and they cried in their innocent glee, 

And shouted for papa to come quick and see 

What presents Old Santa Claus brought in the night." 

But woe to the luckless children who had been disobedient or naughty, 
for a proper punishment and salutary mortification was sure to await them 
as a reminder in the shape of a trim little birchen rod ; piece of hard black 
coal nicely enveloped in paper; or a pig's tail dried, ensconced under the 
truly choice dainties! What a flush of crimson suffuses the astonished 
countenance, what a throb of subdued anguish shakes the sensitive and 
conscious little one chilled by the failure, herself the chief accuser in her 
credulous simplicity and giving voice and pathos to the intensity of deep 
regret, that the good Santa Claus should have known her fault. This is 
not an ideal sorrow but a trying experience of dreamy yearning to the 
trustful child as her heart fluttered with this trying disappointment! Sad 
that the time-honored festival of St. Nicholas should have fallen into such 
disrepute, for we ever took pleasure in it, and felt a proper pride that our 
forefathers hailed from the " Vaderland." 

In the early part of the seventeenth century — September 1609 — 
Henry Hudson, while exploring the river which now bears his name, ran his 
vessel aground on the south point of the " middle ground " opposite the 
present city of Hudson. But being unwilling to leave his task unfinished, 
he manned some small boats and with them continued the expedition up 
as far as where the city of Albany now stands. Here he found a large 
number of Indians engaged at fishing, and from the circumstances called 
it the Fui/cJc, the fishnet or the fishing place, also from the crescent form 
of the bay. From this he dropped down to the south point of Van Rens- 
selaer island and bivouacked for the night. In the morning the party were 
very much alarmed at finding themselves surrounded by a number of 
" the tawny sons of the forest," but the pacific deportment of these un- 
expected and certainly unwelcome visitors, allayed their apprehensions. 
With an almost reckless hardihood the whites accompanied them through 
the ford by which they had gained the ishnd and landed at the foot of 
that classic mount of legendary story, Kiddenhooyhtcn or treasure hill of 
Captain Kidd, the pirate and freebooter. " The hills were then covered 
with the pine, the maple, the oak and the elm. The wild-vine clambered 
in rich luxuriance on the forest trees, and threw its graceful festoons from 
the mossy banks of the river. The slender deer bounded undisturbed 
through the tangled thickets or bent his an tiered head to drink from the 
limpid streams that crossed his path. The beaver sported unmolested 
in the bri;:ht waters and slept in conscious security on the low grounds." 
After gazing at the beautiful prospect, the yellow haze on the near eleva- 
tions, and listening to the musical birds they proceeded again by land 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 7 

top:cther in perfect safety to the fuyck. It is supposed that a little 
trade was carried on at the time and, perhaps, soiuethin<; of u talk, but 
not very much accomplished. Tlio dehiy of the adventurous exploring 
party on this second visit to the future site of Fort Orange and home of 
the true Dutch Knickerbockers, suhsecjuently Albany, was not of long 
continuance, and when llie intrej)id but ill-fated navigator left it now, lie 
never saw it more. " On 'l'l\i of June, 101 1, a mutinous crew took com- 
mand of his ship after his return from Hngl:ind, put Hudson, his son and 
seven others into a frail boat, turned them adrift in the trackless ocean, 
and abandoned them to their fate. They never were ever heard of 
more as they drifted slowly away, and were soon hid by the lonesome and 
to them dismal ni;;btfall from the gaze of their cruel murderers." 

In 1(514, six years before the landing of the. May-flower at Plymouth, a 
fort and trading-house were erected on the spot where Albany now stands, 
called Fort Orange, and about the same time another fort and trading- 
house were established on the south-west point of Manhattan islSnd, called 
New Amsterdam. " The whole colony received the name of New Nether- 
land. The first permanent agricultural colony was established along 
the Hudson in lGli3 by the ' Privileged West India Company,* with u 
direct view to colonization. A number of settlers during: this year were 
sent out from Holland, who were most heartily welcomed by the few pre- 
vious inhabitants. Before these arrived the old sojourners had been 
two years without the necessary supj)lies, and had been obliged to cut up 
the sails of their boats for the clothing absolutely re<juireJ. Their yoke 
of experience had indeed been very trying, in such an isolated situation 
to the entire little company, and they hailed with delight the new arrivals." 
" In 1(J2'J, the company adopted a charter of ' Liberties and exemptions 
for patroons, masters, and private individuals, who should plant colonies 
in New Netherland, or import thither any neat cattle.' " " The terms of 
encouragement to those who should send out settlers were great. Such 
as should undertake to plant a colony of fifty souls, upwards of fifteen 
years old, were to be acknowlodged Patroo.ns, a name denoting something 
baronial and lordly in rank and means." " They were also allowed to 
select lands for many miles." 

Our pedigree in the Dutch dynasty dates from De IIkku Killian Van 
Rknssklakk, the pearl and diamond merchant of Amsterdam in Holland. 
" He was also a director in the Dutch West India Company and deter- 
mined with others, to engage in colonization and thereby to avail himself 
of the peculiar privileges and munificent provisions extended under the 
charter. He selected in ItJotJ, through Woutcr Van Twiller, his nephew 
and agent, a princely tract of land at Fort Orange consisting of forty-eight 
miles broad and twenty-four miles long on both sides of the Hudson. 
This domain was granted to Killian Van Rensselaer by patent from the 
States Ceneral of Holland after he had purchased from the Indians their 
native right to the soil, and a colony was at once planted here of which 
he was the head or patroon. The privileges of the patroon on his manor 
were similar to those of a baron of old England, and he was endowed with 
baronial honors." The patroonships of New Netherland may justly be 
rcgaided as nothing less than an odious form of feudal aristocracy trans- 
ferred to American soil. " Desirable locations for manorial grants were 
purchased of the Indians ' for a few ]>arcel3 of goods. ' De Heer Killiail 
ijistvrvin (died; at Amsterdam in the year 1(345. His descendants in 
America cultivated the soil and became extensive farmers, but were very 



8 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

plain people, as may be inferred from the caution uttered by Sir Peter 
Warren, in a letter to his nephew (afterwards Sir William Johnson), ' do 
not make fun of the Patroon's horses.' " " In 1664, Charles II, of Eng- 
land, disregarding the Dutch claim on New Netherland and finding them 
powerless to the aggressions of the English and his final usurpation of 
the territory, made a grant to his brother, the Duke of York and Albany, 
which included all the mainland of New England. Governor Stuyvesant 
was exceedingly loth to surrender without an attempt at defense, but the 
favorable terms ofi^ered to the inhabitants disposed them to an immediate 
capitulation and the province surrendered August 27th, 1664, upon the 
most liberal terms to the vanquished. New Amsterdam was now called, 
in honor of the Duke, New York ; and Fort Orange, Albany. The 
articles of surrender were framed in a very generous spirit. It provided 
that inheritances should remain as under the Dutch law, and all records 
should be carefully preserved. Very little disturbance of the existing 
order of things took place in the Dutch colonies. The colonists carried 
on their trade as before, but with greater freedom; they went to and fro 
between Holland and the provinces as they had been accustomed to." 
Then too at home a ferry had been established in 1642, between Albany 
and het groen hosch or the pine woods (now Greenbush), 

In August, 1683, Col. Thomas Dongan arrived in New York as the 
successor of Major Edmund Andros, governor of all the territories here. 
Among our family papers is a very ancient Patent to Abraham Staats 
from Gov. Thomas Dongan, dated " 4th Day of November, Anno Dom. 
1685, and in the first year of his Majesties Reign " (James II). Signed : 
Thomas Dongan. It is, however, too long to copy, but is one year prior 
to the incorporation of the city of Albany, the original document of which 
bears date July 22, 1686. " Governor Dongan purchased from the Van 
Rensselaers a concession of their feudal rights over the colony of Beaver- 
wyck and sixteen miles into the country, because it was contrary to the 
spirit of English institutions to have subjects possessing such boundless 
rights as the patroon of Rensselaerwyck had, and then incorporated Albany. 
The first mayor was Peter Schuyler, the clerk Robert Livingston, and the 
recorder Isaac Swinton. The village of Beaverwyck was comprised 
within very narrow limits. All the houses at this time nestled closely 
under the guns of the fort, for protection from the ever prowling Indians. 
From Fort Frederick, which stood about half way up the present State 
street it extended in the form of an equilateral triangle, of which 
the fort was the apex, down to the margin of the river, along which 
the base line of the triangle was drawn. A heavy board fence strength- 
ened with palisades, inclosed the village, and mounted on the only 
church which it boasted were three pieces of artillery. This edifice stood 
at the foot of State street and was the second house of worship that had 
been erected. On the arrival of the first pastor sent out from Holland, 
Dominie Johannes Megapolensis in the year 1611, the first building for 
public worship was constructed near the old fort situated in Church street." 
Tiie good Dominie writes : " The first year I came here there were so 
many turkeys and deer that they came to the house and hog-pens to feed, 
and were taken by the Indians with so little trouble that a deersold to the 
Dutch wjis equal in value to a loaf of bread, or a knife, or even a tobacco 
pipe. The trade of the town was almost wholly with the Indians, 
though agriculture was also pursued to some extent. The whole country 
was a perfect paradise for hunters. The creeks and rivers abounded in 



Legacy of IJistorical Gleanings. 9 

fish ; pike arnl sturgeon were abundant in the Hudson, and the woods 
wore alive with ilocr and other game. The Albanians aiipoar to have 
been always vigilaiit in maintaining a guard over the city, and no Indians 
were allowed to remain in it at night, with the exception of such sachems 
as might be present on public business. The several gates of the village 
were defended by block houses, and the walls were holed for musketry. 
At night a watch was kept, consisting of lour citizens, who patroled the 
street.s arouml, and provided with a rattle, whereby to summon assistance 
in case of urgent need. This curious instrument gave the jiatrol the name 
of rattlewatch. Certain /ijiihoohs and ladders were ])rovidcd in each 
ward for use in case of tire. The inhabitants drew their water supply 
from wells, and during its infant weakness the city enjoyed peace, and im- 
munity from actual attack by the savages ; but any tricks practiced by the 
traders upon the Indians were speedily played Ijack with fcarlul ven- 
geance." 

Though the Indians had ceded a tract of their country to the scttler-s 
of Fort (Grange, they evinced so much jealousy at the improvements 
which were daily ujaking in the forests, that the enterprising cultivators 
of the soil thought it prudent to erect fortificatious in the vicinity of 
their dairiiujx as a place of refuge in times of need. The cellar of one 
of these, is still visible under an old apple tree a few rods north of the 
family road to Cherry-IIill, in the meadow west of the IJethlchem turn- 
jiike, one ruile south of the venerable elm tree at the corner of State and 
I'earl streets. (Alas for those ancient landmarks! the. Bethlehem turn- 
pilce, and most desirable old apple tree, with the notable eellur, in I>^7d 
are among the things that were. Hail roads and city lots have superseded 
the beacon lights of other days.) In this cellar the neighboring farmers 
were wont to assemble with their families during the French war, and 
from it they would issue in tinned bodies to secure their crops, or to 
visit the city. Notwithstanding this caution they could not on every 
occasion guard against the lurking, wily savage. The little brook mean- 
dere through the meadow in question and is the scene of a tragedy which 
took place at the period mentioned even within half gunshot of the fort. 
Tliree worthy citizens on the way to the xtudt Jerk on the Sabbath 
were pounced upon by a party of savages while crossing the rustic bridge 
over the brook, murdered and scalpe«l before the gurri-son perceived the 
transaction, and the murderers gained the woods at hand in safety, 
b'everal occurrences of a similar nature took place about the same period 
near the castellated building on the (jreenbush banks. The stadt kert 
stood near the fort, in what is now called Church street It was tlie first 
house of worship in Albany, and was built on the arrival of Uov. Dr. 
Jlegapolensis. It was a plain wonden building thirty-four feet long, by 
nineteen wiile, and was used for thirteen years. 

"The medium of commerce was the well known wampum, or scawant, 
as it was sometimes called. These shell beads, if black, were reckoned by 
the Dutch at three to the stiver; if the interior white, at six. The 
petticoats of the Indian women, made of deer skin, were highly ornamented 
with these various kinds of shells, gay-colored, and wrought into curious 
and artistic designs. These dresses were worth eighty dollars in the 
currency of the present day. Sewant was u.sed for Indian money, hence 
its value as trimming. Tiie Indians for a long period knew no other cur- 
rency, and it was in common use among all the Hritish and Dutch settle- 
ments. The beads were strung on thread and made into belts. The latter 
were exchanged on all occasions of making treaties, and played an import- 

2 



10 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ant part in the economy of the Indian nations. With the wampum the 
Dutch bought the beaver skins, deer hides, and other peltries of the red 
hunters; and sold thera blankets, duifels* arms and ammunition, kettles, 
axes, etc. The extensive traflBc in liquors was a constant source of 
trouble to the local authorities, and regulations for its sale were constantly 
made and apparently as persistently evaded. The barter with the In- 
dians who came to the city to sell their peltries was carried on in certain 
houses set apart for the purpose, and all citizens were forbidden, under 
severe penalties, to entice the Indians into their houses to make secret 
bargains with them. Traders who went into the Indian country to buy, 
could only do so after obtaining a license. These regulations were un- 
doubtedly necessary. The city was an exposed frontier town, liable to at- 
tack from Canada, and constantly subject to surprise by the neighboring 
Indians, if they chose to assume a hostile attitude. In its familiar, social 
aspects, Albany continued in all respects a Dutch town till late into 
the last century. Even a few years prior to the revolution, the large 
majority of its inhabitants spoke only the Dutch language. The court 
records were kept in the same tongue for many years after the English 
took possession." 

Jeremias, son of De Heer Killian Van Rensselaer, was the proprietor 
of Rensselaerwyck ; he died in 1674 leaving two daughters and two sons; 
Killian, born August 24, 1663, and Hendrkk born at Greenbush, October 
23, 1667. The oldest son, Killian, being the lineal descendant of Jeremias 
and consequently Lord of the Manor of Eensselaerwyck, was married 
October 15, 1701, to Maria Van Cortlandt ; from this branch General 
Stephen Van Rensselaer descended. " Killian conveyed to his younger 
brother Hendrick, on the first day of June, 1704, the Claverack or Lower 
Manor, together with 1500 acres from the upper manor, including Green- 
bush, running back one mile, together with an island in the Hudson river." 
The Neio York Church Record says : " Married May, 1689, Hendrick 
Van Rensselaer — young man of Rensselaerwyck to Catrina Van Brugh — 
young woman." Her baptism was also found, " daughter of Johannes 
Pieterse Van Brugh and Katrina Roeloffsen ; " the godmother was Judith 
Bayard. Catharine Roeloffsen was a daughter of the celebrated Auneke 
Jans and Roloft' Jansen Van Maesterlaudt. She married Johannes Van 
Brugh and their daughter Catrina w*as the wife of Hendrick Van Rensse- 
laer. The second son of Hendrick was Col. Kiliaen who getrout met 
(married) Arriaantie Schuyler, he had four zoons and three doegtrrs. 
"Major Gen. Henry K. gehoren (born) den 25 July, 1744; getrout met 
Alida' Bratt, September 19, 1764. Philip born 1747 ; married Maria 
Sanders Feb. 15, 1768. Nicholas born 1754. married Elsie Van Buren. 
Killian K. born 1763, married Margaretta Sanders. Catharine married 
William H. Ludlow. Elsie married Abraham Lansing. Maria married 
Leonard Gansevoort. Col. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer was chairman of the 
general Committee of Safety. 

Porcer of Attorney to Abrm. A. Lansing Dec. 1784 hy P. V. R., K. K. V. B., 
MclisV. R. & Henry K. Van Rensselaer respecting the estate of their Father, 
Col. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer. 

Know all Men by these Presents that Wc : Henry K. Van Rens- 
selaer, IMiilip Van Rensselaer, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Killian K. 
Van Rensselaer and Leonard Gansevoort Junr. do for divers good Causes 
us thereunto moving hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Abraham 
A. Lansing of the City of Albany, Merchant, our true and lawful Attor- 



Legacy of IltsToiiiCAL Gleanings. 11 

ney for us — and in our Name and Stead to take Charj^o of all the Husi- 
ness relation to tlio Kstate of Col. Kiliaen Van Kenssolaer decciiseJ to 
hrini; Suits in our Names as Kxecutors to the said Kstate, to call in all 
Debt.s duo to the said Kstate and to pay all .such Debts as arc duo to any 
I'erson or Persons who have just Claims aj^aiiist the t^a'ul Kstate all which 
Acts and Thinj^s to be dune relative to the said IJusiness we do hereby 
ratify and confirm. 

In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our Hands & Seals this 
fwenty-.^'eventh Pay of December iu the year of our Lunl One thousand 
.seven hundred A: Kighty-four. IIkmiy K. V. Iiknssklaku, 

P. Van 11ens.sei.akh, 
Nicii'". V. Uens.sklaer, 
K. K. Van Uen.ssklaer. 
Leonarm ('• wsi vix.uT Jr. 
Sealed & delivered In the Presence of, ) 
llrnri/ Vitn Rrnnst'Uicr, 1784. ) 

A melancholy thrill is the result of drawing; from the iiles of dusty papers, 
as found in its appropriate nook on the shelves, this document showing; 
the intollei'tual powers of thO.se who have been resting,' peacefully, for f;eno- 
rations, in the fpiiet j^rave. Yet once, in this now ancient domicile they 
yearly counted the milestones passed on their road to rest. 

My maternal irrandmother, .Slaria Sanders, dau^'hter of Robert Sanders 
and wife of Philip Van llensselaer, together with .Mar^'uretta Sanders, 
daui;hter of John Sanders, and wife of Killian K. Van Rensselaer, were 
descendants of Rev. Lawrence Sanders who suftered martyrdom at Coventry, 
KnL'laud, 155(), during the reign of Hloody Mary. He was confined 
in the same prison with Archbishop Cranmer. " A pardon was offered 
him if he would recant; but he rejected it with disdain, and embraced 
the .stake sayinj^ : ' Wthomc, cross nf Christ! loelcome eocrlastin</ U/c !' 
One of his descendants writes : ' I always feel a r;low of devotional dii^nity, 
when I read this last dying oflering of unwavering faith, from one, who is 
to both of us a common ancestor, for none suftered more heroically than 
Sanders.' Cranmer, having less courage at first, signed a paper subscrib- 
ing to the doctrine of the papal supremacy and the real presence." 
" C^ueen .'Mary, however, with great perfidiousncss determined his re- 
cantation should avail him nothing ; but when rcfjuircd to acknowledge 
his errors in cl^ureh before the people, he surprised the audience by 
declaring his deep regret for signing that paper. When led to execution, 
as the flames encircled his body, he stretched out his right hand in the 
blazing fire till it was utterly consumed saying: ' This hand has offended.' 
When it dropped off ho discovered a great serenity of countenance; he 
died with perfect composure : thus, the two frieuds were soon again 
together where there was no more sorrow or pain. The widow and two 
sous of llev. Lawrence Sanders, immediately after the martyrdom, in 
great distress, escaped to Rotterdam iu Holland, the nearest protestant 
point of refuge to the Knglish coast. Those bereaved and terror stricken 
refugees, there found a genial and safe home, for little Holland, with her 
bravo churches and free people, backed up by ships, dykes, sand-bars and 
swamps, was the fearless defender and defiant refuge of the protestant 
world," And from the moment a religious victim planted his foot iu 
Rotterdam, or any part of Holland, he became the guest and protege of 
this uniijuc and highsouled people. It was in this haven of rest the 
wanderers were kindly received, outcrtaiucd, and ultimately settled. 



12 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

After residing in Holland about ninety years, a descendant named 
Elsie 8anders ■with her two children came to New York, one moved south 
and the other son married into the family of Captain Alexander Glen of 
Schenectady. "In 17G5, by the purchase of the interest of both John 
Glen of Albany, and John Glen jr., of Schenectady, for £4000, Johannes 
Sanders became sole owner of the Glen estate in the present town of 
Glenville." Whenever the original patentees of the surrounding soil, 
branched out into the wilderness from Fort Orange to cultivate their 
estates, a fortification was invariably erected, sufficiently convenient to their 
dwellings for refuge, and strong enough to protect them from the dreaded 
visits of their savage foe. The first establishment of this kind " over-the- 
pines," flourished so rapidly, that it was soon dignified with the name of 
Dorp (literally, the " city at the end of the pine woods "). On each side 
of its beautiful river — the Mohawk — numberless other ones soon like- 
wise rose, though on a smaller scale, and became the frequent resort of 
those friendly Indians who wished to dispose of peltry, to procure neces- 
saries, to conclude treaties, or, perhaps, to celebrate their pagan orgies. 
" These Mohawk Indians, were the Spartans of North America, the head 
nation of the Iroquois confederacy, the chivalrous knights-errant of the 
western world. The chase was mere pastime ; war and its surroundings 
was their element. The redress of real or imaginary wrongs to them- 
selves or others, was pleasure to these high strung knights ; and when duty 
called, from the three castles on the silvery Mohawk, their warriors issued 
forth. They went, zealously bent upon errands of mercy, generosity, 
plunder, murder, no matter what, so long as glory awaited them, and the 
terror of their name ensured a safe passage and hospitable entertainment 
from the Mohawk valley to their barbarian enemies, the Chippewas and 
other nations from the north, or from the Mohawk valley to the lands of 
the defiant and unprincipled Cherokees and Seminoles of the south. 
Alexander the Great was never more venturesome, in his desperate 
marches into unknown lands, than these wily sons of the forest. Even 
since Scotia was settled, these knightly warriors visited North Carolina 
on an errand of mercy, punished the Cherokees by an overwhelming defeat, 
rescued the Tuscarora Indians, who had been nearly extirpated by them — 
and strange magnanimity — returned with all the survivors to their own 
valley, and adopted them as the sixth tribe in the great Iroquois confed- 
eracy ; nor is that a tithe of their powers, for three weeks the Mohawks 
held Montreal in full possession, control and plunder. Such were the 
Mohawks of Scotia's early days, and always devoted friends to the Dutch ; 
but, they were barbarous after all, and the whole white population were 
too sparse, weak and timid, to interfere with the chivalric customs of these 
noble knights of the tomahawk, blunderbuss, bow and arrow. There is 
a hillock not far from the present Scotia house, where, after their return 
from warlike or plundering expeditions, they were wont to sacrifice their 
victims; even so late as the time of Colonel Jacob Glen, a Mohegan 
Indian was burned on the spot. This surely was revolting, but the 
monarchs of the valley, owners of the soil, willed it so, and nothing was 
left to civilization, but to mitigate or ameliorate. And this the Christian 
pioneers accomplished, when possible, and many acts of kindness, which 
according to the accounts of the French themselves, were rendered by the 
Glens of Scotia to parties captured by the Mohawks." 

^ At the time of the destruction of Schenectady by the French and In- 
dians, on February 8, 1G90, the Glen family, then residing at Scotia, in 
Glenville, were all preserved because of previous kindness to French 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 13 

captives. About five years before the burninp;of the city, towards snri- 
(liiwn of u beautiful suiiiiiilt's afternoon (when the original hir;;e stone 
liouse at Scotia was still standing?), a lar;:e party of Mohawk Indians just 
returned I'roni one of their inaraudini; expeditions near Montreal, encuinped 
on the Scotia flats, just before Mr. (ilen's residence. In that day of abo- 
ri^'inal power they claimed clear rijjht to do so as the original sovereigns 
of the soil. The ])arty was in a hiuh state of elation and triumph, 
ha\ing captured a Honian Catholic Jesuit priest, against whom they enter- 
tained extremo antipathy. The reason of this was ; the M<jhawks were 
protectants after their own fashion, brcdusf the, Dutrh utrr; and this 
priest with others ha<l pro.selyted among them, and caused some as a 
catholic party to remove into Canada; eighty of whom from the north, 
under their (Jreat Agnier, cliief of the Iro(|Uois, returned in l(!l)U with the 
French to destroy Schenectady. Wishing to be absent for a few days, 
the Indians brought their captive to Capt. Glen, requesting he might be 
i^afely locked in liis cellar during their absence ; as On tlieir return it was 
intended to have a jubilee, in torturing and other savage cruelties, before 
lie was j«ut to death by a grand roasting for their pious sacrifice. The 
jdiilunthropic Capt. (Jlen S/»V/ tmt sic it in thnt /i'fht,' but (determined to 
etlect his rescue if it could be done without exciting tlie enmity of his 
formidable visitors) with inimitjible composure said the Mohawks were his 
friends, and he fell pleasure at all proper times to oblige them. Capt. (Jlen 
was aware of the confidence the Indians placed in him, also of their credulity 
and superstition, he therefore raised this rlear sii/htrif^ in II intmiltd, and 
formidable objection : " In this case I cannot take the responsibility, the 
prisoner is a priest, and priests are icizzanfs, diflTercnt i'rom a mere man, and 
could go through any key hole. Suppose the priest was gone in the morning, 
what then ?" He further remarked " that they could not hold him, the 
Great Spirit would a.'^sist him, he was sure to escape, and then they would 
blame him. Ao J cau take no risk." Hut one thing he proposed \cith 
irisr soUmuiti/ (giving the Indians the key) if they would lock the prisoner 
in the cellar, keeping the key themselvos, an<l nut hold him responsible, 
they might do so. This being satisfactorily arranged, the wretched clergy- 
man, their destined victim, was locked in the cellar, and the Indians left 
in (|uest of further plunder, having the key with them. Mr. Glen had 
al.so suggested at a proper time, in a (|ulet way and to the proper cars,^ 
that carli/ in the mornimj hifore ilai/ l!<jht, he should send his team to 
Albany with peas, to bring back .salt, so as to excite no suspicions about 
movements contemplated. The noble Mohawks, as was customary after a 
canipaign, got their rum from Schenectady, then feasted, drank, danced, 
shouted and sang, until the icee small hours in the morning, when 
exhausted nature and cvni their days settled into stupid repose ; while 
the imprisoned one was suffering a degree of mental agony easily ima- 
gined. This lull, Capt. Glen, liis wife and faithful slaves having 
watched, the prison door was opened with a duplicate key. and the captive 
priest placed on a wagon in a hogshead with the lower end out, and the 
bung-hole to breathe through and with a good team. The wagon with two 
negro men was soon pa.^sing close by the Indian encampment containing, 
as was supposed, peas for the Albany market. When safely arrived iu 
the city, on delivery of a letter fronj Capt. Glen to friends, he was taken 
in a sloop to New York, and from thence .saileil to Quebec. On his arrival 
he reported himself to the governor general of Canada, telling of his 
capture and the extreme kindnci^s of Capt. Alexander Glen 

The moraing came and the Mohawks having an important mission on 



14 LEaACY OF Historical Gleanings. 

hand, rose earlier than usual and came for their victim to immolate pre- 
vious to their departure. They found the cellar closed, hut the priest flo ion. 
The shouts were awful and the agonies of disapointed justice simpltj dia- 
hollral ; but when the captain appeared, he only said to his friends, " 7 
told you so, I told you so. Priests are wizzards ; '' and they reluctantly 
responded that Condac (his Indian name) was right. Publicity, after 
such a joke on warriors, was impolitic, nor was it ever known that any of 
the Mohawks of that generation discovered the deception; but this k^nd 
act bore abundant and blessed fruit to the Glen family. Subsequently, 
during King William's war, or the seven years' war, Count Frontenac, 
governor of Canada sent out-several parties against the English colonies. 
One expedition, consisting of Frenchmen and Indian allies, was dispatched 
for Schenectady with express directions not to injure or molest Captain Glen 
of Scotia, or any of his relations, in consideration of his humane conduct, 
and to spare all his property. The people of Schenectady, though they 
had been informed of the designs of the enemy, were in the greatest se- 
curity; judging it impracticable for any men to march several hundred 
miles, in the depth of winter, through the deep snow, bearing their pro- 
visions on their backs. After two and twenty days' march, the enemy 
arrived near Schenectady, and were reduced to such straits, that they 
had thoughts of surrendering themselves prisoners of war. But their 
scouts, who were a day or two in the village entirely unsuspected, re- 
turned with such encouraging accounts of the absolute security of the 
people, that the enemy determined on the attack. They entered on 
Saturday night, February 8th, 1690, about eleven o'clock, at the gates, 
which were found unshut ; and that every house might be invested at the 
same time, divided into small parties of six or seven men. The inhabit- 
ants were in a profound sleep, and unalarmed till their doors were broken 
open. Never were people in a more wretched consternation. Before 
they were .risen from their beds, the enemy entered their houses, and 
began the perpetration of the most inhuman barbarities, with the most 
dreadful slaughter'of the citizens. " No tongue," says (Colonel Schuyler, 
" can express the cruelties that were committed. The whole village was 
instantly in a blaze. Women with child ripped open, and their infants 
cast into the flames, or dashed against the posts of the doors. Sixty-three 
persons were massacred at the midnight hour ; the Dutch church and 
sixty-three houses were burnt to ashes, the whole place destroyed with the 
exception of five houses leit standing, and no more. Tweuty-seven men 
and boys capaide of walking were carried prisoners to Canada, A few 
persons fled naked towards Albaoy, through a deep snow which fell that 
night in a terrible storm ; and twenty-five of these fugitives, lost their 
limbs in the flight, through the severity of the frost." 

" Symou Jacobse Schermerhorn rode to Albany by way of Niskayune to 
carry the sad intfelligence of the massacre, although shot through the thigh 
and his horse wounded. His sou Johannes together with his three negroes 
were killed on that fatal night. The news of tliis dreadful tragedy 
reached Albany about break of day, and universal dread seized the 
inhabitants of the city. A party of horse was immediately dispatched 
to Schenectady, but the enemy, in the meantime, pillaged the town of 
Schenectady and then went off with the plunder and about forty of their 
best horses. The little garrison at Scotia witnessed the conflagration and 
took every precaution to make good their defence against the attack they 
anticipated on tiienisclves. Before leaving the village, a French oflacer 
summoned Captain Glen to a council, upon the shore of the river, with the 



Legacy of Uistouical Gleanings. 16 

tender of personal safety. He at lenjjth adventured down, and h.id the 
great satipfaction of havini; fitly captured friendo and relatives delivered 
to liiuj, !<tating the inNtructious received before leavinj; Canada, and the 
enemy departed making good the promise that no injury nhould be done 
him. All these de.stitute ones were housed and fed by that generous man 
during the remainder of that exceedingly severe winter. He had gained 
much by good will. James W. Jieekman, Ks(j., of New York city, whose 
mother, Catliarine Sanders, was also a descendant of Kev. j>awrence San- 
ders, has a large and valuable memorial painting at a cost of 81(>U0, re- 
presenting Capt. Alexander Glen receiving the company of relatives from 
the Indians." 

The scene is illustrated with much vividne.os and power, and reflects 
high credit on the chivalric eliaraeter of Captain (.ileu. When visiting 
the old Scotia Mansion, 1 have often felt the cold chills creep over me, 
as I saw the deep indentation from a hatchet which struck in the baluster 
of the stairs, as it was thrown by oue Indian, who had a quarrel with 
another, as he fled up the stairs for protection ; it came very near brain- 
ing Mrs. Sanders, who at the moment, was coming down. It might have 
proved a sad circumstance, but for providential interference. It occurred 
thus: " Shortly after the cttmmencemeiit of our Revolutionary war, and 
Boon after the marriage of Judge John Sanders in 1777, he and his young 
wife lived at Scotia, while his fiither's family resided at their city mansion. 
At this time the Mohawks, siding with Sir John Johnson and other loy- 
alists, had removed to Canada, where a small demoralized body of them 
still resided at St. Regis, etc., they are blots on the escutcheon of their 
old heraldry, and the mere victims of debasement, profliL'acy and rum. 
The Oneidas. siding with the settlers of the Mohawk valley, were much 
among the farmers, and often located in one of the two kitchens of the 
old Scotia house. It was on such an occasion, that two Oneida braves 
quarreling, one of them so wicked, that he was called stout Nick, chased 
the other with a tomahawk up a flight of stairs. The deadly instrument 
fortunately missed both Mrs. Sanders and the Indian, but showed the 
Oneida's fidelity of intention by the deep gash in the baluster. This 
aflair drew much attention at the time, but the lady would not allow 
the savage to be punished, and this incident illustrates that the early 
pioneers of this beautiful and romantic valley sometimes had rather 
strange associates." 

W.M.TKR WiLiE, in his Ballad, " In which is set forth the horrid cruel- 
ties jiractised by the Trench and Indians on the night of the ^th of last 
February, the which I did compose list night in the space of one hour; 
and am now writing, the morning of I'Vyday, June 12th, UiUU," gives 
this interesting relic of antiquity: 

" The news came on the Salibath morn, " Our soldiers fell u]M>n tlieir rear, 

Just ntt the bnnk of day, And kilie<l twenty-five ; 

And with a compauieof horse Our younj; men were so mucli enrag'd 

I gallojjed away. They Uxik scurco one alive. 

"But soon we found the French were gone "And here T end the long ballad , 
With all their great IxMitve ; The which you ju.«*t have reside ; 

And then their tmil w«<did pursue, I wish that it nmy stjiy on earth 
As was our truedutye. I^ng after 1 am dead." 

We truly "rejoice that we are Americans, and feel proud that we arc 
the descendants of Dutchmen, " for with gratitude and great ojuanimity 
we can trace tar back our Dutch ancestry, engaged in chivalric achieve- 
ments and wonderful acts of bravery in defending their country and homes, 



16 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

with the liberty to worship God. We perceive that the shadows have all 
passed away, and the lumioous track they have left behind them, has lost 
none of its brilliancy. Filial afi'ection incites me to record, as a just me- 
morial of their innate heroism, virtue and intelligence, that amidst all the 
various trying vicissitudes of " soul stirring times," they have undoubtedly 
deserved the highest plaudits of honor and respect. 

In this chronicle of past days, the brave deeds and calm fortitude dis- 
played by our " honored dead," in their heroic achievements and trying 
exigencies of almost daily occurrence, you cannot but notice that their 
services were of a marked character. Also in what a very remarkable 
manner God smiled upon, and prospered our army and fleet; emancipating 
from thrallilom those who were willing to encounter the troubles incident 
to that fearful struggle, thus proving the American people would " never 
consent to a semblance of monarchical government but only to be governed 
by just law." A generation and more has passed away since those thrilling 
events midst scenes of peril during the revolutionary war, and war with 
England ; and thousands who could, boast of a venerable aggregate of 
years, and were cognizant of the very important services rendered by our 
" loved ones," have also become tenants of the silent tomb. " It is time 
that the reminiscences of the pioneers were gathered together, before the 
last of them shall have passed away, for one by one the landmarks are 
falling and the records of memory are fast being obliterated, leaving little 
enough to be gleaned at the present time. Much that transpired in the 
American revolution in the great struggle with England for American 
natlonaliti/ when the halter and not the laurel was the promised meed of 
patriotic daring, are already lost and forgotten in the quiet graves of their 
authors. Time is leaving sad and mournful testimonies of the havoc 
which death is making in the old generation. Much valuable information 
relating to the ' time-yellowed documents ' and early chronicles of old 
Albany and its ancient families could only be obtained from ' those honored 
relics of the past,' and with their decease will inevitably perish every 
memorial, tradition, reminiscence, and important historic facts connected 
in a tender veneration with the colonial chronicles of the country and the 
ancestral records of families." Therefore " let us garner up our notices of 
past ages, and preserve them in the archives of the country : we shall 
please and instruct ourselves by so doing, and make posterity lastingly 
indebted to us for the deed." These details, however, even when " penned 
under the most favorable auspices," are not always satisfactory. " What 
pleases one will not always please another, and that which some readers 
would be most desirous to retain would possibly be the first rejected by 
others; portions may be too prolix tosuitfastidious tastes." But" Dejustibiis 
non est diaputandum," so we will decidedly give the precedency to a few 
antiquated family letters, a relic of the " genuine Knickerbockers," they 
will serve to reunite the thread of generations, which has been deeply 
buried in the rubbish of years. I prefer to transcribe the literal speci- 
mens out of a host of correspondence — so intensely interesting as to be 
difficult to make a selection — without correction though frequently abbre- 
viated. Since that time orthography has undergone great revisions and 
superfluous letters have been discarded. Dividing sentences by points or 
pauses was but little understood, while capital letters were constantly in- 
troduced to make the meaning more effective, yet in a couple of centuries, 
unr present lexicons may seem very antiquated, and our orthography 
quite as obsolete. 

The venerable patriarch on our maternal side, Robert Sanders, was 



Legacy of Historical Gleanixos. 17 

born in Schenectady July loth, 1705. lie was married January 10, 1747, 
t(» Kliziiheth Schuyli.T d:iUL;hter of Col. Pktkh Schlvlkii, the lirst mayor 
of Albany. Colunel I'cter Schuyler was also the grandfather of (ien. 
I'hilip Schuyler, lie was called Qui<l>r by the Irnliaus, instead of /' /*t, 
which they could not pronounce ; " his inthience over them was so ^rreat, 
whatever he recommended or disiipproved, had tlie force of law." In 
times of unusual danger, or cases in which both Enj^lish and the Five na- 
tions were interested, I'eter Schuyler, who was a man of sound judj^ment 
and great moderation, conducted councils with the Indians at Albany. 
" Lieut. Kobert Sanders, a member of the Albany Convention, the highest 
official body in the province, wa.-i commander of Indian forces; his sagacity 
and true knowledge of Indian character, had called him to this office. Kobert 
Sanders was one of those highly trusted ujes-sengers sent with all po.«*8ible 
speed to Onondaga, that especial care should bo taken to state in the 
Indian's (Jeneral Council at Onondaga ' that .Vlbaiiy is the pretixed house 
to treat and speak with all sorts of j»eople, and tbose who strive to make 
peace or cession with tl»e Frenclj, must be looked upon as persons who 
design to make a breach in the silver covenant chain which has so many 
years been kept inviolable with the government. Arnout Corneli.so ac- 
companied Lieut. Sanders." Mr. Sanders was a true philanthropist; no 
man had broader sympathies, or could have been more devoted to the in- 
terests of his distracted country. His energy, prudence and judicious ad- 
justment of abstruse points, together with hi.-< uuirvelous activity, was seen 
in the labors of his every day life. lie loved the soil that gave him birth, 
and we reverence him tor his efforts to advance the interests of the land. 

" December, 1(309. llobert Sanders paid 9 gilders, 10 stivers [about four 
dollars] for the use of the great pall at the burial of his mother, Maria 
Wendell. In April, 1G82, llobert Sanders's wife was paid 30 gilders for 
9 cans Canary wine for sacramental use in the old church of Honvinie 
G. Schaats. The acting deacon in 10S8 for the year was Peter Schuyler. 
In 1093 Ilendrick ^'au Rensselaer officiated and carried round the Icrrk 
sac/cic or collection bag." September 30, 1715, Grandmaina's Journal 
says: "The first child was baptised in the new church, E. V. Augen; 
the widow of Jonas Oothout, at the Flat--^,, and died and was buried fryday, 
the 2Sth feb'y ISOO. The last Service the bell of the old church did was 
for her funeral in the Old Church. Sl>e was 90 years, 5 months in 
Sept. ISUo." A funeral appeared more like a festival, than the solemn se- 
pulture of the dead ; it was the custom to provide refreshments at funerals, 
a practice which continued in vogue for one hundred years, and even as late 
as 1825. Kothjcs (small, sweet cakes), were carried round at such times in 
large baskets. Wine was carried out in pails, freely drank, and many would 
go home Vrom a funeral drunk. The reason for it was given that, its inhabit- 
ants were sparseuly settled over a large territory, and many had to go a great 
distance to attend funerals.' Smoking, too, was an attendant on the prevail- 
ing habit as the following order from Col. 1)1. Claus will show : 

«. v^ir: " Monday, 27th May, 1770. 

" I havesentthebcarcr for four dozen of Pipes and a few pounds of Tobacco, 
for the burial of Mr. Uaworth's child wh' please to charge me. To Maj'r 
Jelles Fonda. D. Claus " 

' "SchfMTi.', March '25). 17:}'*. Thrn Kecfivi'*! of Jolin Schuylor thesiundf Twi-nty 
Sliilings for the five jrnlinn (^rallons) of Hum at the Buario^ (burying) of Maria 
Bratt. Kecd by me, John Lawyer." 

3 



18 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" It is notorious that men did not always write their own names correctly 
in these early times and they knew nothing in reference to philology." 

An Order given 128 years since to return the money advanced by Robert Sanders. 

Exchange for £91. 3. 4 sterling. ^^^^^n 17 day Dec, 1747. 

At Thirty days Sight (or as soon as Money shall be raised By the Par- 
liament to pay the Officers & Soldiers raised for the ' Late Intended 
Expedition against Canada.') Be Pleased to pay this my Fourth Bill 
(first, Second & Third of the same Tenor and Date not Paid) Unto Messrs 
Storke & Champion, or order the sum of Ninety-one Pounds, Three 
Shillings, & four pence. Subject to the usual Stoppage or Deduction 
made at the pay office, Value Ueceived of Robert Sanders, it Being 
my full pay as an Ensign of foot in Col. Joseph Dwights Regiment for 
the Expedition afores^ as certificate on the other side may more fully 
appear. 

To The Right Ilonbie the Stephen King. 

Paymaster General of his Majesties Forces. 
Colony of New England. 

Pursuant to His Majesty's Commands, signified to us dated the 30th 
July, 1847, to defray the expenses of the Troops raised for the Late In- 
tended Expedition against Canada, and settling the Pay due to them. 
We do hereby Certify the Right Honorable the Paymaster General of 
His Majesty's Forces, That Stephen King Gentlem" was an Ensign of 
Foot in Colonel Joseph Dwight's Regiment, raised within the Province 
of the Massachusets Bay for the said Expedition ; and, that there is due 
to him for his Pay ninety-one pounds, three shillings & four pence Ster& 
for which we have given him this Certificate, till Money shall be I'aised 
by Parliament for paying of the Officers and Soldiers levied for- the said 
Expedition, and defraying all other Expenses thereof: Which Certificate 
is to Entitle him to the full Sum above Specified. Subject to the Usual 
Stoppages or Deductions made. 

Given under Our Hands this 17th day of November, 1747. 

r-m N oi.- 1 ChAS. KnOWLES. 

(Wen) Shirley. 

In April 1748 the war was ended by the treaty of peace signed at Aix- 
la-Chapelle " by which restitution was made, on both sides, of all places 
taken during the hostilities, and the colony enjoyed a period of general 
tranquillity. The inhabitants vigorously pursued the arts of peace, and 
by industry, economy and enterprise, repaired, in a great measure, the 
losses sustained in the preceding war. But no sooner was peace con- 
cluded, than the English parliament resumed the plan of taxing the colo- 
nies ; and to justify their attempts, said, that the money to be raised was 
that the colonies might erect fortifications, raise troops, etc., with power 
to draw on the British treasury to defray the expense of the same, the whole 
idtimatrjt/ to he reimbursed hy a tax from the mother country on the colonies. 
This plan was objected to by the sagacious Franklin who said the Ame- 
ricans would never submit to a tax that would render them servile. In 
1750, the entries at Now York were two hundred and thirty-two, and the 
clearances two hundred and eighty-six'. Above six thousand tons of pro- 
visions, chiefly flour, were exported, besides large quantities of grain, but 
unfortunately the flour for the present seemed to rank among the worth- 
less treasures owing to stringent restraints." 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 19 

Ilenry C. Bogart to Robert Sandert. 

,,„. •' Kiii'^'ston, Juiuaica, 2(1 October, 1753. 

"Sir. . » ' 

Your Thirty-two IJarrels Flour which you wore plcas'd to address mo 
with, I rcceiv'd pr Capt. Tlionias Hill, which I'm Sorry to acquaint you aro 
come toa Deplorable Markett have now about three Hundred HarrcLs Flour 
of my first Car^'o on hand, & see no Prospect of Markett rising 8o that I 
fear will be oblij-'d to Stay hero the Winter without bcin;; able to En- 
courage my Friends to Ship me a Ca^k of (ioods however if Timea shoul'd 
take a Turn shall make bold to ask your further Favours This being the 
Needful beg leave to a^jsure you that none will be more ready to Servo 
you than " Sir Your Obcdt. 

" Humble Servt, 

" Hknry C. Booart. 

• Fine Flour 17s. Ctd to 20s. Common 12.s. to 12s. (></. Bread ll.s. to 12*. 
Pork 7.)s. Beef 30s. Hams G</. to 6.!,(/. Sugar 28s. to 32s. G</. Hum 3s. \}i<l. 
to 3.S. 3./. 

" To Mr. Robert Sanders, Esq. In Albany." 

Peace w:ls of .short duration. The French possessed Canada and 
made encroachments upon the English possessions and mutual injuries 
succeeded. They took pains to secure the friendship and assistance of 
the natives ami by their measures excited a jealou.sy in the English nation, 
which .soon broke forth in open war. The ne.xt year several expeditions 
were undertaken in America against the French but all were not success- 
ful. In 1755, (General Braddock marched against Fort Du Quesne, but 
in penetrating through the wilderness, he fell into an ambuscade, suffered 
a total defeat and he was killed. A part of his troops were saved by 
flight under the conduct of Col. George Wiushington. This ill success, 
and other eijually disastrous enterprises, left the English settlements ia 
America exposed to the depredations of both the French and Indians. 
Fort Edward was built this year and 0000 troops stationed there; it was 
a military post of considerable importance and was at first called Fort 
Lyman in honor of (leneral Lyman who superintended iLs erection. Ou 
September !Sth, the celebrated battle of Lake George was fought between 
the provincial troops under Major Gen. Johnson, aided by a body of In- 
dians under Heiidrick, the Mohawk chieftain, and a body of French Cana- 
dians ami Indians. (Jen. Johnson proposed to divide his forces into three 
parties. Hi iidrick took three sticks, and putting them together, said to 
him : ' Put these to.;ethcr, and you c.in't break them. Take them one by 
one, and you will break them ea.sily.' The hint succeeded and Hendrick's 
sticks saved the party, but the Indian warrior, Hcndrick, was slain. Ou 
June 9, 1750, war was declared between England and France, it was 
called the Seven Years War; the colonies furnished supplies of men and 
money to carry on the war, but the ri'tjht to t;ii was not allowed." 

We select the following record of an early order from the military ac- 
counts, together with extracts from letters to my maternal great grand 
sire, lloiiKRT Sanders, being 119 years old; they contain interesting 
item.s of this early French and Indian war. 

" Hec«* this 0th July, 175G, froiu Robert Sanders Twenty Inch White 
pine Boards for the use of The 3Iassachu.sctt3 forces. I say Rcc*' p* Me. 

" Das iliLL." 



20 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Robert & RicJiard Ray to Rohert Sanders. 

a Pear Sir. " ^^"^ ^^"^ ^^"y- '^^- ^'^^'^• 

"Your always agreable favour of the 12 Instant pr : Mr. Tenbroeck we 
Duly Reed as also one hundred pounds in Cash which you sent down 
pr : him for which we have given him a Receipt and have Credited you 
therefore : we have not been able yet to find a bill Exch : of £30- or £40- 
Sterg : or should have purchased it to send to Mr. Bonbonous as you de- 
sired : we have now in the harbour Capt : Garrisons' Snow and a packet 
who will both Sail for London in about three weeks: in which time We 
shall endeavour to get such a bill : but if it should fail : shall then send 
one of £50- Ster'g as we Can always have them of that Sum : unless you 
should in the mean-time order the Contrary that fifty pound would be 
more than you would Chuse : but we think ten pound more Could not be 
amiss, the three pipes of wine formerly mentioned to you we have Bought 
at £23: 10 : pr : pipe and we Realy think them as good as them sent 
you last fall, observe what you Say in Respect to your Pork : and that 
you would not have Bought it had you known of the prohibition laid on 
provis : from home which we well believe : and are Sorry you medled 
with it: we gave you Notice of the prohibition as soon as we knew it: 
but as it is now so it Can't be helped : and as you now give us order to 
barter sd : pork for Rum &c : you may depend on our best endeavour 
therewith : the same as though you were here yourself to do it : unless 
you should order it to Antigua as we Recommended you in our last pr : 
the post ; at present here is little or no business done, no provisions bought 
or sold : that Cannot at present Inform you of any price, observe what 
you Say in Regard to Mr. Spencer : Depend when any thing Can be done 
in that Affair shall take Care not to neglect it : are Very Sorry to hear 
your Father [Bareut Sanders] and my Elsie's Father Continues poorly 
[Richard Ray married Elsie Sanders] hope the Lord will support him in 
his Sickness and give him an Easy and happy change : the letters Inclos'd 
for Mr. Franks etc., shall be duly forwarded. As your Brother John and 
you have a great many goods with us in Store : please to let us know by 
who you would have them sent in the Spring. We are now to Inform 
you that a few days ago we have unexpectedly Ingaged in Common with 
Seven Merchants to purchase a Vessel for a Certain Voyage and have 
agreed to put on board £500 : ster:g Cargo each owner ; the Vessel is 
already bought : this Resolution we Could not have so Suddenly under- 
taken had it not been for a dependance on you for great part of the money : 
and this dependance we fixed on you from yours of the 7th Sepf : which 
Accompanied your Chest now in our house : in which you Say was a large 
Sum of Money and desired us to put some out to good hands at 6 per " : 
as such we shall now want from you Eight hundred pounds Currency say 
£800 : — : — So we desire you will send down the key of S'' Chest by 
the Return of the post : and we will joyntly give and send you our obli- 
gation for the above Sum : and will Repay you the money any time on 
three months Notice. You may Depend your Money is quite Safe in our 
hands : as we are determined to Insure our whole Interest as Such large Sums 
are frequently let out here at 5 p ci : pr ; Annum: we leave that to you to 
say whether it must be 5 or 6 pc : hope you will not Disappoint us in 
sending the key by the post: as we have made Intire dependance on you 
for the money, if you should be any ways Doubtful we Can give you 
further Security. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 21 

"As to News we Can Inform you that the Ship pretty Betsey, Capt. 
Edwards from Ijondon to this phice loaded with goods for the merchants 
is taken by the french : lucky you nor we Imd any goods aboard. Wo 
have within few days past Arriv^ : here 3 largo transport Ships from 
Ireland with ab' : liUO men each: otie Store Ship loaded Infir«-ly with 
powder and the Sutherland man of Warr of 5U Guns who with great 
Piirifuliy got in the harbour through the leo after being several times 
aground and in danger of being lost: 5 or G njore transports: 2 Moro 
Men of Warr and some Store Ships t.clonging to the Same fleet daily ex- 
pected : the Soldiers that are Arrival ; are (juartered on the Inhabitants: 
and arc all hearty well looking Men : and it is S' : another fleet was to 
Sail a few weeks after these with 5 or (3 thous'* : land forces and a Number 
of men of Warr : it appears from this as if the English had determined 
to Strike a blow : but from their usual Slothfulness it is to be feared they 
wont do much : every thing seems to be Conducted here with great So- 
cresy : Lord Loudon is gone to Hostou : it is Currently Reported here 
that' these transport Ships are to lay here till Spring and then transport 
the Soldiers elswore : what all this will turn out to : time will tell : in my 
last I wrote you I was Indisposed: but thank God we are all in cood 
health : we Conclude and are with the greatest Regard to Self and family. 
S^ : Your Affect-^^ : Kinsmen .,^^^,^, . ^^. ,^„.„j |, ^^, 

" To Robert Sanders Esq' : Merchant in Albany." 

" Lord Loudoun was the commander in chief of all the Hritish forces in 
North America in 17o7, ho was also (Jovernor of Virginia. He was a man 
of no energy of character and totally deticient in the requisites for a 
military leader. He was recalled and Lord Amherst appointed in his place." 
During this year August 9, IT57, the capture of Eor tWilliam Henry and 
the fearful massacre by the Indians creatcil a great sensation in all the north- 
ern states. "The French commander, >Lir<juis de Montcalm, utterly dis- 
claimed all connivance in the bloody work, but it left a deep stain upon 
his character." 

Robert Sanders to liicfiard WUnrd. 
'• Dear Sir : " -'Albany, June 6, 1758. 

" I am most Ashamed to trouble you so often. Hut it seems I cannot 
Annually avoid it, while our forces Come this way, so that I am again ob- 
li<;cd to Trouble you to convey you Colo : John Ilart Escjs Rill of Ex- 
change for .£1 17:0: 'J Sterling' on George Jeff'reys Esqr money by me Ad- 
vanced him to Enable his Regiment to March Pursuant to y' Generals 
Orders to him on the 4th Instant wh he was ol)liged to do & did, cS: his 
Sloop not yet heard of, tho' this Evening Arrived. I must therefore De- 
sire you to get Sd. George Jeffrey's Esqr Hill of Ex'ge : payable to me 
or my Order in London for the s'd Inclosed Rill iS: rica.se to send them 
to me pr : the post that is Now Established.' Retween here & Roston & 
you will add to the many favors Rec'd. 

"Our Army started yesterday morning from Lake George 1600 Strong — 
your forces were not there, I believe thon, yet I believe scarce yet this 
day. 

•This post WH8 a ruler on hor8«-back. In 1792 a boUl sclicnm was undiTtakcn 
to run a linoof atntr<'s iH-twecn All)anynncl tlie Connecticut river valley at North- 
ampton, licforc this the mouutain was only crossed on foot or on horseback — 

.1 II IkI^S III' , \Ulllli 1/ 



22 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" My "Wife Joins me in love to Mad'm Wibird, be pleased to accept the 
same yourself from your affectiouate Kinsman & most Obedt. '^ 

"Hble. Servant, 
« The Hon'ble Rich'd Wibird." " Robert Sanders. 

Richard Wibird was "one of the Commissioners from New Hampshire, 
appointed to meet in the grand council or convention, to be held in 
Albany June 19, 1754. It was composed of committees from the several 
colonial assemblies for a renewal of treaties with the Six Nations." The 
forces that left Lake George were for the expedition against Carillon 
(Ticonderoga) and Crown Point; they met the enemy but the engagement 
resulted in the total defeat of General Abercrombie, before Ticonderoga 
on July 8, 1758, and the death of Lord Howe. " When the preparations 
were making for the assault, the troops were marched from Albany in 
detachments past the Flats. The road was in front of the house and 
followed the margin of the river. Each detachment quartered for a night 
on the common or in the offices. The Flats was a fertile and beautiful 
plain on the banks of the river, the residence of Colonel Schuyler's widow. 
jMadara, or as she was called Aunt Schuyler, was distinguished by her 
dignity and many virtues, and her hospitality during many years to the 
officers of the British armies sent to contend with the French on the 
northern frontier. She was the friend and benefactress of the army. 
Lord Howe slept at this celebrated mansion when on his way to Ticon- 
deroga. Only a few days after Lord Howe's departure, in the afternoon, 
a man was seen coming on horseback from the north, galloping violently, 
without his hat. The man rode express and galloped on, crying out that 
Lord Howe was killed. It was too true; two thousand men were killed, 
wounded or taken on this disastrous day. General Abercrombie saw the 
fruitless waste of blood that was every hour increasing and after the troops 
had been standing four hours under a constant discharge of cannon and 
musketry, he ordered a retreat. On the next day, those most dangerously 
wounded were sent forward in boats and reached the Flats before evening. 
Aunt Schuyler had her barn instantly fitted up into a temporary hospital, 
and a room in her house allotted for the surgeon who attended the 
patients. She tore up her sheets and table-linen for bandages; and she 
together with her nieces were constantly employed in attending and 
cheering the wounded, while all her domestics were busied in preparing 
food and every thing necessary for those unhappy sufferers. One of the 
officers swore in a vehement manner, that he was sure there would be a 
place reserved for Madam in Heaven, even though no other woman 
should be there." 

Robert Sanders to Sir William Johnson. 
" Honoured Sir : " Albany July 27th, 1758. 

" 1 hope this will find you with all yours in Perfect health & yourself 
some what at your Ease after a Tedious Journey. I Embrace this opp'V 
to send you here in your Acco" Cur' with me, whereby you will find I 
chargd you for the freight of your goods Brought up & down by Capi 
Jacob Van Beiithuyscn in the years of 1754: 1755 & 1756 which fell to 
my Share when we Settled & Broke off Slooping In Conjunction, the 
Acco* of the particulars thereof I am not able to send you Now, as he 
has The Sloop Book with him to Collect some small Debts in at New York, 
But will send them you as soon as he comes up, which wont be Long I 
believe. By the Ballance of the Inclosed Acco' is due to me from you 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 23 

£130 : 4 : 10* for w'' buui I Debit your Acco' on New, w^'' please order 
to he Exauiiu'd it if free from Errors please to order it to be Noted in 
('uiilDruiity witli one in )' IJook. uiy Ivspuuse Joins nic in Kind Coujpli- 
incut to yuu and all yours, believe uie, to be Sincerely lion'''*- 8ir, 

" Y' Real friend & am Hosj'oetfully 

S' Y' most Hum. Serv' 



" To Sir W'" Jobnson Bar." 

Sir William Jobn.son bad just returned to bis bome at Fort Jobnson 
from an important mission to a groat Indian council in Pennsylvania. 
He was greatly respected by tbe Indians and bad mueb influence over 
tbem ; baving studied their manners and learned tbeir language be carried 
on a large traffic witb tbem, supplying tbem with goods, and receiving in 
return beaver and otber skins. Not long before, in May, he attended a 
grand meeting of tbe Six Nations at Onondaga in which "speaking with 
the belt of wampum " their grievances were made known. 

Robtrt Sander:* to Thomas Jlubbanl. 

.. m^ . " Albany, Sep'. 18, 1758. 

" I have rec** your Esteemed favour of the 4tb Current & agreeable to 
y Kcijuest therein I have given John Erwin Fifty Shillings this Cur- 
rency on y Acco' for w*'' you are Debited or we .Judged it a Sufficient 
sum to Carry bim home. 1 (rave him no more, Hut told biin if be fell 
Short to Draw on me as far as 10 Dollars, be seemed very weak «t it may 
be he wont Be able to bold it out till bome, be has bis Dismis.sion & I 
believe him to be Unfitt for Service this Campaign. I wrote Col" Wen- 
dell last post the News ab' tbe Reduction o\' fort fioutrnat- & Desired bim 
to ac(|uaiut the ('om"^*^ of war witb it which I suppose he did, 1 iiave no 
News at present to Communicate Hut what you will Receive Next Satur- 
day from New York in print, which is great If true otberwi.se I would 
write it you. Hut in tbe Print you Shall have it at Large & we believe 
it to be true, it is Expected here that there will be another Attempt made 
this fall on Carillon k Crown Point, you are quite wellcome to lay your 
Commands on me, if you think me Capable to do you or your Friends any 
Service here Assure yo\i that I am with much Esteem 

" Hon** ^ Sir Y'f most Obcd" hum : Servant 
*' To Tbom' Hubbard Esqr." " Rohert Sanders. 

" It was not until tbe campaign in 1758, that affairs assumed a more 
favorable aspect in America. Hut upon William Pitt being at tbe 
bead of tbe Hritisb ministry a fresh impulse was telt by all. Fort Fron- 
tenac — now Kingston — was erected by Count Frontenac, governor of 
Canada, in lG7ii, and ior eighty years it was one of the strongest military 
posts in America. In 1758, Colonel Hradstreet with provincials of New 
York and New England captured it. The commander of the fort was ex- 
changed for Col. i'eier Schuyler of New Jersey, then a prisoner in 
Canada." 



24 LEaACY OF Historical Gleanings. 

Robert Sanders to Moses Emerson, 
u Pear Sir : " ^^bany, Sept. 29, 1758. 

* * * " Col. John Broadstreet with 3000 men hath Taken Froutenac 
and brought Considerable Booty there you must Doubtless havfe heard 
the particulars by the papers therefore Desist must only add that we Ex- 
pect they will make another attack on fort Carillon [Ticonderoga] this 
fall wish them better Success as last Spring I fear that they will meet 
the Strength of Canada there at this Season for I Cant think they Can be 
underany apprehension of our fleet Comingup to Cubec [Quebec,] this fall. 
My Espouse & Children Join me in Love to yourself, Mrs. Emerson & 
young Mr. Emerson who I hope may grow up & be a better man than 
Ever his father was before him. I remain with Respect Sir, 

" Yr Real friend & obed' Servant 
" Mr. Moses Emerson." " Robert Sanders. 

Robert Sanders to Moses Franks. 
u gir : " Albany, Octobr 11, 1758. 

* * * <« We have been this past Summer pretty successful here we 
have Taken Louisburgh, and fort Frontenac, & would herein give you 
some particulars Thereof, but believe you will have them fully ere this 
Reaches your hands, our forces I believe will soon go into Winter 
Quarters, there was a talk a few days ago that they Were going to make 
a Second Attempt on Ticonderoga, But heresay they wont go there this 
fall, from Ohio we hear Little or Nothing here, only that they had a Small 
Skirmish with the Enemy there wherein we lost & missing somewhat 
Better than one hundred as is said, the loss the Enemy then Sustained 
We have not yet learnt. * * * 

« Sir Yr Obedt gervt, 
" Mr. Moses Franks." " Robert Sanders. 

The French general, Montcalm, occupied Ticonderoga and Crown Point 
till the next year. 



CHAPTER H. 

Colonial History. 

Robert Sanders to Sir William Johnson. 

" Honoured Sir : " Albany Octor 23rd 1758. 

I rec'i of y 21 Instant yesterday by Mr. Jacobus Clement, the apologie 
you therein make about not answering my Letter of the 27th July Last 
I believe to be true But am astonished to see you therein say that I 
Doubtless must have heard that the Assembly only Allowed Tea Shillings 



Legacy of TTistorical Gleanings. 26 

a day for the time I was in Canada k that you thouijht it a very small 
ailiiwance as I believe livery buiiy witli yuii it me must, & it' I lli<)U;;l»t 
pniper Now to settle the Acco' so, yon wnuM be lleaily to pay the Hallanco 
Immeiliately k with pleasure. I own it wouli be harJ tor you to pay mo 
out of your own pocket, Hut I tliou;:htyou IiOii<;ere N'ltw wuuM ilt-iinburse 
what you had agreed to pay me by the Governm' k how (\mld I well 
think otherwise — >iSinee it is aliove Nino Years that I went at your 
Ket|uest & our then Mutual Contract to Canada, k have Since ot'len 
Settled Acco''' with you Jfc so now k then had the |)le:isure of beini; in your 
Company, «.t you Never mentioned one Sinj^le Word to me About it & 
you I believe still will Remember that I would Hy no means <;o on the 
Generosity of the Assembly — you then told me you would not have mo 
or advise me to jjo on their mar<'y — and that the Asst-mbly had Allowtxi 
a Certain sum of money, it that you had or was soon to Receive it from 
Cap' lY'trus l)uuw for that purpose & that you would a^'ree with me & 
pay lue accordin^'ly. as I think you llttnourably did for on the lU Sept' ■ 
17')0, 1 not only Settled that Acco" with you Sworn to by me I think 
before -John Haptist V^in Kps, Es(| Hut also your particular Acco' with 
nie, & you did that diy ^ive me your noie of hand of your own accord, 
on Demand for the Hal lance due to mo from you & on the 17 Auu:' 1752 
we Settled all Acco ' Hetween us aj^ain k you of your own accord };ave 
me then your note of hand on I)ema[id for the then Hallance due to me 
& in 1754 .May li8th I Delivered youau;ain my Acco Against you &, you 
sometime after Came to my house k paid me of 'within a Trifell I may 
say & kept mute all that time What you now wrote me & on the 27 July 
Last 1 Came to send you}our Accn^ Current as usual to mention Now an 
Artair which has been Settled so Loni: aj^o Hetween us. I think Strange 
as I knew I had nothing; to do with the Assembly — 1 Never Intended 
or did apply to them for uiy pay & perhaps if I had & Ac(juainted them 
Rightly of my Journey it Transactions I believe I am apt to think they 
wi>ulil have Allowed mo more honnraldy as you write they did — Hut if 
I had applied to them I must own k Confess that I shouM not have used 
you well it that 1 iiave hitborto Kiidoavoured to do <t hope so to Continue. 
1 wish you with all yours health it am with Compliments <t much Esteem 
Hon'''' Sir, y most hum : & most obed' friend & Serv'. 

" Robert Sanders. 
'• To The Hon'''': Sir W" Johnson Bar'." 

Money in those days was a scarce commodity, so that even services 
performed on hazardous. business were not always well rc(|uited if at all. 
The valuable tract of land, one hundred thousand acres, owned by Sir 
William Inhnson, was obtained from Kiiifi Hentlrick, the <;reat chief of 
the .^Iob.•lwk nation in the followini; mariner : " Heini: at the baronet's 
house (Fort Johnson) the sachem observed a new coat, richly embroiilered 
with ^old lace, which the former intended for his own person ; and on 
enterini: his presence after a night's rest, he said to him, ' Hrotlier. me 
dreamed last nij^lit.' ' Indeed," responded the royal a^ent, ' and what 
did my red brother dream ?' ' Me dream,' was the chief's reply, ' that 
this coat be mine I ' ' Then,' said the saijaciouis Irishman, ' It is yours, to 
which you arc welfbme.' Soon after this interview, Sir William returned 
his <;ue3t's visit, and on meeting him in the mornini; said to him. ' Hrother, 
I dreamed last night I* ' What did my pale-faced brother dream ?' inter- 
rogated the sachem. ' I dreamed,' said his guost^ * that this tract of land 

4 



26 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

was all my own !' The chief replied, ' Brother, the land is yours, but you 
must not dream again ! ' It was a check-mate." 

Robert Sanders to Col. Jacob Wendell. 
"Dear Sir " Albany Nov 3, 1758. 

" I Rec' yrs of the 10 Ultimo, with the Inclosed Letter To Mr. Humphry 
Chadbourn which I forwarded to him & have since Delivered him Agree- 
able to y Desire Ten Dollars & have taken his Bill therefor on his Broth- 
er Mr. Benj. Chadbourn which you have Here Inclosed Endorsed by me 
to Debit y Acco' therefor Your Regem' are all come down & major 
part on their way home I Can't but acquaint you that they have Cut a 
great Deal of wood for the service on y Land at the Jser Berg, & as Every 
body suflFers from Cutting wood here on their Land for the service I 
Daren't speak a word, must therefore Desire to let me Know your Senti- 
ments thereabout. Here is a Town Talk that General Abercrombie is 
Superseded by General Amherst & we have News that the King of Prus- 
sia gained a Victory over the Russians, the Express came Last night & 
says the Packet is arrived at New York. I hear Nothing as yet ab' Col. 
Peter Schuyler & our other Prisoners that were to Come in Lieu of Them 
that we took at fort Frontenac when I do I shall Enquire & write Mr John 
Mico Wendell ab' the Gentlemen He gave me In Charge of, w^'i please to 
acquaint him as I have no time now to write him. I Never Expected our 
Prisoners Before the Armies of Both sides went Into Winter quarters as 
I know French Policy too well, altho our people here are very Uneasy & 
Expect they wont come. But I think we shall now soon hear from them. 
I hope this will find you with all ys as this Leaves me with all mine & 
friends here entirely well. 

" My Espouse Joins me in Duty to y self. Mad'" Wendell all y Child- 
ren & friends with you. Believe me to be Sincerely Dear S'' Your AflFec- 
tionate Kinsman. „ „ 

" The Honbie Jacob Wendell." ^^^^^'^ Sanders. 

EWm Lyman's Bill. 
" 1758 The Colony of Connecticut p"- Elihu Lyman \ Dr. 

For yr forces Under Maj : General Abercrombie j 

June 25. To 1 p'' Blankets « .' £12 : : 

Do. 28. To 3 pr Do @ £ 12 p^ ; & 1 Single Blanket 16s ... 36 : 16 : 



Albany Nov^ : 6th, 1758 ^''°'' Excepted, £48 : 16 : 

' Robert Sanders. 

" Gentlemen, 

" Please to pay the Above Acco^ of forty Eight pounds Sixteen Shil- 
lings New York Currency Unto General Lyman or his order & his Re- 
ceipt Shall be to you a good & Sufficient Discharge & you will very much 
oblige, Gent Y^ most hum : & most 

" Obed' Servant, Robert Sanders. 
" Sir : 

" I Beg the favour of you to Obtain & receipt the Above Acco' of £48 : 
16 : for me k on Receipt thereof please to Deduct thereout for your 
Trouble what is Reasonable as also the Charges you 3*iould Be at & Re- 
mit to me here the Remainder, & if you should have iNo opp'v for this 
place you may then send it to New York to Mess^^ Robert & Richard Ray 
Merch's there, Near the Old Dutch Church & if I Can be of Service here 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 27 

be Assurcil that on Receipt of y Coinmantls I will Emleavour to Execute 
tlieni to the Utmost of my ubilily Interim 1 am with profound Esteem 

" Y' most hum : & obeil' Servant 
" To Genenil P. Lymun." " Kdhkrt Sanders. 

"(icneral Lyman was a bravo ami encr^^etic man, yet mo.st unjustly he 
received mine of the honors whieli were deservedly his due. At the 
battle t)f (.'rown Point in 1755, the whole enj;agemeut wu.s directed by 
him for live consecutive hours with great skill." 

Robert Snnders to Oenercu Lyman. . 
"Dear Sir. "Albany November 7th 1758. 

"I Just now heard from ^Ir Sheldon that you wa.s on the wing going 
oflf with y : Kegioj' : this day. I am sorry I had Not the pleasure to see 
you at my house as I Expected to have Done by what you told me when 
1 had the [deasure to see you at Col. Keu.sselaer's, so have now only to 
('onvey you here in y : (ioverment Accott : of Hlanket.s litchcd at my 
house by .^ir Klihu Lyiuan since Deceased, it my order for you to Receive 
the money, 1 trust you will u.se y : Endeavour to Receive it, I wish you 
would add to the obligations Laid on me by this if you would Let me 
Know by a Line from you how you Succeed herein. I wish you a good 
.Journey home «It that you may find yours all in Health is the present 

Needfull from ilon'''"- : Sir ,. ,. . , « , ,, „ 

" 1 f most hum : & obd* Serv' 

uT n r'u- T » n II 1 " " Robert Sanders. 

" 10 den. Ihuieas Lyman at Green Bush. 

This is the General Lyman who was engaged in the celebrated battle of 
Lake George on September S, 1755. " In the vicinity of the Bloodi/ Pond. 
lieiidrick, the noted Mohawk chieftain, with a body of French Canadians 
and Itulians assisted the provincial troops under Major-general, afterwards 
Sir William Johnson. Gen. Johnson, at the commencement of the battle, 
received a flesh wound in his thigh and the ball lodged in it. General 
Lyman then took command, and continued it during the action, but John- 
son not willing to divide the honors of the event, did not even mention 
in his report, the name of General Lyman, the real leader in the victory. 
It was immediately alter the battle that with evident jcalou.-<y of liyman, 
he changed the name of Fort liyman to that of Fort Edward. The Eng- 
lish government, elated by the victory, created Gen. Johnson a baronet 
and gave'him 82U,UUU." 

Robert Sanders to Col. Wendell. 

a Dcjir gir " Albany April 30, 1759. 

" My last to you was p'' Capt. Grange wherein I I)esired you to .send mo 
some pots k Kittles w^'' 1 Doubt not but was Delivered to you, Since 
arrived several (ientlemcn from your place «fc not a line from you, hope 
it is not for want of health. Having now a favourable opp y w< " I 
Embrace «fc make bold to Trouble you again with the herein closed Note 
of ('apt, Abra. Keen for £Li : 10 : lUi this Currency \, my order & 
Acco' of one Capt. French of the 48 Regim' if he is in Hoston as I hear 
say he is I Desire you to order both sums of them to be rec ' &, Credit 
my Acco> with you for the same. If ('apt. French vShould be gone off 
then please to forward him this Inclosed Letter after you have Read & 



28 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

sealed it. I hear Capt Keen is Going this year Eastward so am obliged 
to send you his Note, he is a good honest man & will pay you Immediately 
for me. Abraham Jacobs Lansing Came home fieu days since I had no 
letter by him from you he tells me that you & he were Discoursing about 
Stone Kaby & that you ah:kt him £600 for it, if you are Inclineable to 
sell it for what people tells me it is worth, since it was derived from both 
my Grandfathers Robert Sanders & John Wendell, they were the first 
owners thereof I will buy it of you for myself and will pay you Immediately 
for it but no more then the Real Value & send you the Consideration 
money on Receipt of y^ Conveyance to me. 

" There is one Perez Tillson, a sutler last year to Col. Doty's ^eg^ 
who owes me by bond I believe Between £70 & £80 Inform me what 
you know or think about him. Tho' Col Doty Contracted most part of the 
Debt. I am Glad to hear you are Better. I heartly wish you with all y's 
health, r most Afic.^ Kinsman -Robert Sanders. 

" Col. Jacob Wendell. 

Robert Sanders to TJiomas Hiihbard. 
ugjj. . Albany June 3 1759. 

" Mr Isaac Gridley's letter of the 28 Ultimo on your Behalf with the 
these Inclosed receipts for the Sundry Stores you had Shipt on board of 
Capt. Freeman for Albany I have this day rec^ & post as soon as Capt. 
Freeman Arrives I shall receive them in Store & Deliver them to Messrs 
Woodbridge & Savage as you shall Direct me in yours of the Next post 
w'^''' I hope will be before Capt Freeman arrives as Mr. Woodbridge is still 
at home. General Amhurst went up to the army this morning the few 
Remaining forces yet in Town are to set out to morrow The Army to the 
Westward Destined did not delay, but set out from Schenectady yesterday. 
I pray God to Grant them success. You Doubtless must have seen by the 
news papers that General Amhurst hath forbid the Carrying up of any 
Spirituous Liquors to the Army yet this day believe his prohibition will 
be of no long Duration for I Cant think the Army can be without any a 
long time, I am with the Greatest Esteem. Hon^ Sir Y'' most obt Hum : 
Serv' ■ 

" Hon. Thomes Hubbard." " ^°^^^^ Sanders. 

" The skill, bravery, and activity of General Amherst, exhibited in the 
capture of Louisburg (on the island of Cape Breton, at the mouth of the 
St. Lawrence, then the strongest fortification in America, and the* rallying 
point of French power on this continent) in 1758, gained him a vote of 
thanks from parliament and commended him to Pitt, who in 1759 ap- 
pointed him to the chief command in America. He collected his army 
of eleven thousand men at Fort Edward and its vicinity and on July 26 
appeared before Ticonderoga. He met with no impediment but soon had 
possession of the fort as the French had fled, after they had dismantled 
the fort, down the lake to Canada." 

Robert Sanders to the New Hampshire Commissioners. 
" Gentlemen, " Albany Aug. 3, 1759. 

" Col. Zecheus Lovewell Deliv' to me on his Coming down from Ticon- 
derago an ord^ to go In obedience to Gen. Amhurst's ord-^ with his Regi- 
ment to Oswego. Your letter of the 16 May last, wherein you are Pleased 
to Recommend him to my favour for advice & assistance, & if he should 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 29 

hnvo occasion for money his IJill on you for £100 Hferk rIiouM be punctu- 
ally paid, hut Col. l.ovt'well fouml it l)y Kxperioiice luipossilile to <,'0 on 
friiiu Albany to Ticonderou'a & from there a^'ain to (Jswei;i) with his K»';:iiu< 
with the £100 Stcrl-', Applied to nio to assist hiui as several ot his men 
would or (\>uld not ^o witliout a Little Cash, they said to Knable them to 
niurch. I did advance him the sum of .C;J11 : 14 Sferl-; for w " I have 
sent his Hill on you to Rich ' Wibird Ks(|r. : to whom you will be pleased 
to jfive your Hills for said sum of £811 : 11 Storl'< payable to me or my 
order in London. 

" 1 cant Knlarjre on the Above with my heart full of Joy, must let you 
know that Ticondero^^a is taken and in our possession July 'Hi, without 
our firiui,' one ('annon against it, and that yesterday 8 o'clock l'..M. we had 
an K.\press come in Town froni Niai:ara who lrin;;9 us the agreeable 
News that the Fortress i.s also in our Possession after an In^'a^em' with 
1500 freruh and Indians near by the said l-'ort w' '' Came from Ohiho & 
Ottowawa to assist the fort of w '' Number our forces, under Johnsim and 
Genl. I'rideaux (the latter was killed) Kilt in the wood -100 ct have 
taken prisoners 17 olVicers. After s^ Hatfle the iort Surrendered prisiuiers 
of war i^; in a fiew days we Kxpect in Town from there TOO prisoners & 
JiOO Scalps: i^ this mornini; we had an Express from Tieonilerou'a, that 
the frencli had Abaniloned Crown point. Carried off all they could & 
Hurnt all that would liurn there by all w*'' we can plainly see that our 
fleet is at (j\iebee, they left Crown point the 6rst Instant & we took 
Nia;;ara the 25 ritimo. I give you all Joy with the news and Could not 
omitl Communicating it to you. I am with the (Jrcatest Regards, 

" Gen' Y"^ most Hum: Servant 
" To llich ' Wibird Daniel Warner ) " Kohkkt Sandkus. 

iV Henry Sherburne, Es«^^" j 

The above gentlemen were members of the " Convention that assembled 
at Albany, in the old City Hall, on the 10th of June. 1754 for the purpose 
of unitini; upon some scheme for the common delense. Major Henry Sher- 
burne was killed in 1777 at the Hattio of (Jermantown. In 1770 he was 
sent by Arnold from Montreal with one hundrc<l and forty men to re- 
enforce the garrison at Cedar Rapids. About live in the evening the 
whole of Foster's ( Kn;;lish ) Canadians ami Indians burst from an ambus- 
cade and fell upm the republicans They made a brave defense for nearly 
an ho\ir and a half, when the Indians, in number greatly superior, formed 
a girdje around theuj, and at a given signal rushed upon the devoted 
band, and inl'uriated by the obstinate resistance of the Americans butchered 
nearly all. T. e fortress of Niagara was an important actjuisition for the 
English as it was at the mouth of the Niagara river. On July 25, 1759, 
General I'rideaux invested Niagara but was killed by the bursting of a 
mortar, before the surrender of the French. The fort, was, however, cap- 
tured by Sir William Johnson, who succeeded him in command. The seige 
was continued more than a fortnight, and the beleaguered garri.son, des- 
pairing of succor, surrendered; a large quantity of ammunition and stored 
fell into their hands. The capture has been aiicribed to treachery." 

, Iii>bert Sdndtis to Jacob WendtU. 

.-Hear Sir: " Albany, Oct. 17, 1759. 

" I have y' Esteemed favours of the 8 & 12 Current, by the flrst See 
what you .say About Stone Rabia [Stone Arabia] & its Hounds i^ that it 
was worth more money then I thought it was, therefore you Believed I 



30 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

would not buy it, and it is Some Years Since when you sold it to your 
Kinsniau at Albany for £1200 York money & you Esteem it at Least 
worth now £1500 York money & if Canady was taken as you Expected 
it soon would rise more and by my last to you & by your all ways agree- 
able to me of the 12th (We had agreeable news on the 13th pf an Express 
from Oswego, that they had taken 3 freuch prisoners who say that the 
City of Quebec Surrendered on the 18 Sept^ to the English. General 
Amhurst went off from Crown point last week Thursday with 4500 
forces without Counts the Marines.) It is Confirmed that the City of 
Quebec is through God's Blessing in our Possession, and believe & hope 
soon to hear all Canada to be, So give you Joy therewith, So that you 
Think it is worth more now than £1500 : — : — I hope you will be able to 
sell it at that price if you ever Intend to sell it. But I have as great 
Reason to believe you wont sell it by Valuing of it as you believe I 
wont buy it, I must own that I wont buy it at £1500 this money nor 
Nobody Else I believe as I have Before wrote you the reason & my 
sole Inducem'* I would have Bought it & if you & yours intend to 
keep it I am Content. I am glad to see by yours that you Intend once 
more to Come & see your friends here when please God We may live to 
see Each other we shall talk further together. In mean Time if you can 
sell it for £1500 I would Advise you so to do it if you Intend to sell it, 
for I Can Assure you that I have never hitherto seen the man yet here, 
(Except Abraham Ooms sons) that would give so much for it as they 
offered you. All our friends here are well and I am very glad to hear 
that you & your good Espouse also Continue to mend Dayley, I hope you 
both may Enjoy your perfect health again. With my Espouse & own 
best regards to you both & service to all friends I conclude I am D'' S^ 
¥"■ LovK Cousin & Obed' Serv' ., r) o 

" Col. Jacob Wendell." ^°^^^^ Sanders. 

Robert Sanders to Thom^ Hubbard. 
" Dear Sir : " Albany, Oct. 28, 1759. 

"I have by the Courier yesterday y'' Exceeding kind favour of the 22 
& thank you for the Trouble you took to write me the Agreeable News it 
Contained. In my Turn must let you Understand hereby, that General 
Amhurst with his Army Returned to Crown Point, without doing more 
then I wrote p' the last Corrier ; and Sir Wm. Johnson, Bart, is come 
home so that we Expect Nothing will be Done more this fall, unless the 
Articles of Capitulation made at Quebec Induces the Inhabitants of 
Canada in order to keep their estates to give the south part of Canada 
over, as we are possessed of the North part I can't but think they will 
Surrender it. I believe the General will keep the Provincials as Long as 
the weather will permitt them to work at the forts & then By what 
I can hear yours will go home by the way of No. 4. Mons'- Vaudreuil 
the governor general in my oppinion will take care Not to be taken for he 
is as well Governour of Mesisipfe as of Canada. The hhd Cloth? Mr. 
Woodbridge brought in store seemed wet I therefore got a Cooper this 
morning, he took it out & found it much worse than I thought it was, had 
it Dryed & put up again otherwise it soon would have been Rotten. I 
think your Government sends every year too much clothing. My Sincere 
Regards to you and all friends. With you I am with Profound Respect. 
" Houbi'^ Sir yr most Obliged Hum Servant 

" Honbie Thomas Hubbard Esq." " ^^o^ert Sanders. 



Legacy of Historical GLEANixciP. 31 

." Ticns. Anilierst and Wolfe had been very sucrcssful this year in their 
engagcniiMits a^'ainst the rrench, and, at the hi';^innin^ of 17;>'J. (Juehoc 
was the only phice oJ' considerable ini|iortaiU'e in possession of tlie Freneh. 
(Jen. Woll'c was in command of the English lorces sent opiinst Quebec. 
The French General Montcalm was in command of the strongly in- 
trenched camp as head <|uarter8 and a stronj: j^arrison in the city. 
General Wolfe had his army of five thousaml Hritish troops before sun- 
rise, Septeniber Ki. 17;')'.), drawn up in battle array upon the plains of 
Abrahiim three hundred feet above the 8t. Lawrence The appearance of 
the Kiij^lish troops upon the heights was the first intimation .Nlontcalni 
had r»f the real intentions of his enemy. 'J'he Knglish had waited four 
hours for the a}>j)roach of the French, and wore fully prepared for action. 
Wolfe ordered his men to load with two bullets each, atjd reserve their 
fire jmtil the French should be within forty yards. These orders were 
obeyed and did terrible execution. While cheering on his men he re- 
ceivetl his third ball which brought him to the ground mortally wounded. 
He was taken to the rear while his troops continued to charge. Shortly 
before he expired rallying himself in(|uired, ' How goes the battle ? ' Col. 
l)onald Campbell, one of the officers who supported him on the field of battle 
and on whose shoulder be was leaning exclaimed, ' They run, they run ! ' 
The dying hero asked with euu)tion, ' Who runs i" ' The enemy, sir ; they 
give way everywhere.' ' Now God be praised, I die happy ! ' These were 
his last words ; just at the moment of victory he died. Gen. Montcalm 
also received a mortal wound, and died the next morning. Wolfe and 
Montcalm were both able commanders, and were idolized by their respect- 
ive troops. Five days after the battle the city of Quebec capitulated and 
passed into the hatids of the Knglish ou tjeptember 18, 175U, which ter- 
minated F'rench rule in Canada." 

Robert Sanders to Hon. Richard Wibird. 
" Dear 8ir " Albany Nov. 18, 17o0. 

'' The bearer Col. Lovewell is Just on the wing going home being afraid 
for the small-pox of which the City is pretty full, leaves me only time to 
write you these few lines to Acknowledge the receipt of the Set Sterling 
bills you forwarded to our mutual Iriend Mr. John Mico Wendell of Hos- 
ton and he to me without a Line from your Self or the Committee, at 
which I was a little astonished and did not know what to think. On your 
llegimont Coming down they applied again to me for Cash Dollars to 
Carry them home to Defray the Otficers and mens expenses by the way ; 
and as they Could not get their Hilleting money from Col. Hradstreet, and 
Kather then to Detain and Keep them here on Gre.it ('barge of them and 
the Government, I Suffered Col. Lovewell to prevail on me to let him 
have for the above Purpose jC.'JU : 14 : Sterling for which you have his 
bill here Inclosed on the Committee. Must therefore lieg of you once 
more to obtuin for me in Lieu and Stead of the Inclosed bill from your 
('ommittee 2 Setts of Sterling bills. The 1 for £200 Str : the other 
£141 : 14 : Str. payable to me or my order in London, as Kxpeditiously 
as you possibly can. I am sorry to let you know that our Aunt^chuyler's 
Mansion-house and Kitchens were lately all Consumeil by fire, but Goods 
Saved. I Doubt not but you must have heard it, as I wrote to Col. Wendell 
at the time of it. My wife fjoins me in Love to Madauj Wibird and your- 
eelf. 1 am Dear Sir, Your AS". Kinsman aud Ubt. Servt. 

" To The Ilouble. Kichd. Wibird, Esq." " ^^«»*=^^ Sanders. 



32 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" In the summer of this year as General Bradstreet was riding by the 
Flats one day, and proposing to call on Madam Schuyler, he saw her sitting 
in a great chair under the little avenue of cherry-trees that led from her 
house to the road. All the way as he approached he had seen smoke, 
and at last flames, bursting out from the top of her house. He was afraid 
to alarm her suddenly ; but when he told her, she heard it with the utmost 
composure; pointed out the likeliest means to check the fire; and ordered 
the neighbors to be summoned, and the most valuable goods first removed, 
•without ever attempting to go over to the house herself, where she knew 
she could be of no service; but with the most admirable presence of 
.mind, she sat still with a placid countenance, regulating and ordering every 
thing in the most judicious manner and with as much composure as if she 
had nothing to lose. When evening came, of that once happy mansion, 
not a single beam was left, and the scorched brick walls were all that re- 
mained to mark where it had stood. Madam could not be said to be left 
without a dwelling, having a house in Albany rather larger than the one 
thus destroyed. But she was fondly attached to the spot which had 
been the scene of so much felicity, and was rendered more dear to her by 
retaining within its bounds the remains of her beloved partner [Colonel 
Philip Schuyler who died in 1757]. She removed to her brother's house 
for the night. The news of what had happened spread every where, and 
the next day people came from all quarters to condole, and ask her direc- 
tions where and how she would choose to have another house built. And 
in a few days the ground was covered with bricks, timber and other 
materials, brought there by her friends in voluntary kinduess. General 
Bradstreet sent some of the king's workmen to assist in building, and the 
house commenced in August was ready for her by the early winter. Aunt 
Schuyler was very fond of birds and to make them secure nests procured 
the skeleton heads of horses and cattle, in great numbers, and stuck them 
on high poles much to the delight of the feathered warblers.'' 

In my mother's note-book is an entry. " Aunt Schuyler at the Flats 
died on Monday December 6th, 1802. Buried Thursday 9th." The old 
road after crossing the Patroon's creek, passed down to the river, over it 
marched all the armies for the North. 

Robert Sanders to Richard Wibird. 
" Dear Sir : " Albany Dec. 3, 1759. 

" I have y'" Esteemed fav"" of the 3 Instant p'" y Carrier & note y Con- 
tents, that you would honour the Drafts on you in favour of Mess""-* Lee 
& Clarke & that you Apprehended there would be no need for me to send 
in a petition to y Court as you trusted Mr. Woodbridge would attend. 
But if you .Judge it Necessary or Best to petition the Court I must beg 
of you to do it in my l^ehalf & you will very much oblige me. Inclosed 
you have a receipt of Mr. Sim .n Leaking I had no time to take a Dupli- 
cate of him therefore send you his original for the p' shoes & money I 
have Debited the Governm' The other things therein Mentioned are 
of your Governm' Clothing Pickt Last Spring by Mr. Woodbridge so 
not of the best. At foot you have what I Deliv^' for the use of y' 
Sick, the Sugar Chocolade'&c I took out of my own store, as I did not 
chuse to open y""^ In store, shall replace it when you open or Recall y''^ in 
store as I hear no further of the Sick, I have ordered the Cask raisins 
that I opened in Store to be headed up again I suppose Ebenz Cox by 
my Advise had them Carried in wagons to Sheffield, but have as yet not 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 33 

seen his draft on me, I suppose it still to be amonj; some of our faruicrs 
at Kiridorliook. General Amhurst with part ol' his Army came to town 
the lirst Instant tarryeJ hero to the .'5' wIumi the river was Cruzeti over, 
ho then ('ri)sse<l the Uiver Si, went afoDt to .\»!W Vurk in company with a 
lew of his Othcers, he Came down afoot also IVom Ijake (Jeor^o so that 
he is of ^'ood Kxampio to Olficers it Soldiers, we have no Dews, so Con- 
clude with best regards. D' S' Y' most hum \, Ubed' Serv» 
u rr K ,. T>- 1 ,1 WTi • 1 1/ » " liOBERT SaNDERS. 

" Hon*'" Rich" Wibird hsq. 

Robert Sanden to T?ioma$ Iliibluird. 
u j)r gr : " Albany, Sep'- 21 : ITGI. 

" Yesterday I rec' your favour of the 10 Instant p"^ Mr. Sam' IJIod:;ctt 
with s' l{lodL,'Ctt's Keceipt for nine Cases of Clothinj^& twohh''^ lials w<='' 
you had Ship' to mop' Capt. Littlofield who is also arrived in this harbour 
but the <,'ood8 not yet landed. I have this day wrote up to Col : Salston- 
stall & Hoar at Crown point & acquainted them of the Arrival of the 
Cloths & that 1 Would be j;lad of their order about them, but if Major 
Ashley In the meantime Should come for them I shall Deliver them to 
him. I thoui^ht to have sent you by the Return of this Vessell two old 
Medicine Chests, yet in my store of y i^overnment & one old Bed-pan, 
the other bed pan I Delivered last fall for the use of the Sick soldiers at 
(Ireen Rush to Docf Mather, but the Cap' is going from here to Pliila- 
dulphia so says Can't take them. 

" I see by yours as al.so by the prints that my honoured Uncle Col : 
Jacob Wendell Departed this Jjife sometime Since &, that he was Buried 
on the Iti Instant to my great Grief, and am Astonished that Neither 
myself nor any of his Sisters or Brother-in-Laws here have one line of his 
family About him. I make no Doubt but that he is gone to a Better 
Mansion then here, & I know it be the way of all flesh, & I pray God to 
prepare us all for the Like Change. 

'' I have the Honour to be with profound Esteem 

" D' S^ Y' mo.-t hum : & Obed' Sorvant 

" Robert Sanders. 

" Thomas Hubbard, Esqr., Boston." 

Robert Sanders to RicJiard Wibird, dtc. 
HGcnt: " Albany, 27 Octr, 1761. 

•' My last to you was on the 3 Aug' under Cover of 3Ir. Jn" M. Wen- 
dell Via Boston in w<" I sent you my Acco' Current with y Goverm' 
Ball' •■ thereof in my favour £15 : 14 : 1} this Currency for w^'' Debit on 
now, also Col. Golf's order & Mr. Oothout made Before he was paid, as 
also ('ol. GofTs on you in my favour for £37 : 10 Sterling wh"'' I Doubt 
not but met with due honour, I hope you all have Ree' & to w''' referr, 
have Veritably heard it was to y han<ls otherwise you wctuld have Dupli- 
cates hcrin again. Col. Jn " GofTo is Come Down from Crown point i^ is 
going down to New York to the General for the Billctting money & ap- 
]»lied yesterday to me to Assist him with money to give to his Officers & 
men to pay <S: Bear their Expenses by the way going home & to Enable 
hin> to Enlist k pay IJounty. In obedience to (tovernour Wentworth's 
order to him to forty Eight j)rivate men \' three Ofiicers as y"" Governm'* 
proportion to Ilemain in the Service Untill the Month of July next En- 
suing w'''> I knew was Iuipo.ssiblc for him to do without money, so paid 

5 



34 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

him yesterday in half Johanneses^ [$4] & Doll^ : in all £345 : 17 : 1^ 
Sterlin<r for w<^'' ho gave me his Bill on you W^i' I here Inclose & send to 
llich'' "Wibird Esq"^ & Desire you to give him y"" Bill or Bills payable to 
Mess""* Champion & Ilayley, Merch * in London for & on my Acco' with 
them. You may if you Please add to this Last Bill, if you have not 
yet to the first of £37 : 10 Sters the Ballance of £15 : 14 : li due to me 
from y"" Governnii trust Mr. Wibird will be so good as to forward two of 
sJ Bills by two Different opp'v* to s^' Gent, in London, if any there Should 
be at Portsmouth, otherwise to send them to Mr. Jn" Mico Wendell at 
Boston or to Mess^* Bob' & Rich^ Ray in New York & the other pr a 
good opp'y to me here. With the greatest Regards 

I Remain Gentlemen Y" most hum. & Obed' Serv^ 
" The Honi^ie Rich'' Wibird, Esq., " Robert Sanders. 

*' Chairman of the Com'ee of "\Var Portsmouth." 

Bdbert Sanders to Peter Miller. 

u gjj. " AlbanyM arch 1, 1762. 

" I am Sorry to let you know hereby that I am Credibly Informed, that 
you have & are still busy In Cutting & Carrying away Wood from my 
Land at Poghkeepsie altho' my Cousin forbids you Cutting & Carrying 
of it away from my lands, I Intend to be at Poghkeepsie next Spring, 
Please God I Live and will not only Sue you But every other that I can 
prove to have Cut wood from My Land Except my Tennant on Possession 
for the use of himself on my farm. Take this Precaution from me In 
good Earnest & Leave the wood on my Land otherwise you will bring 
yourself to great Trouble and Cost. I am Sir, your Humble Servant 

» To Peter Miller." " ^°^^^^ Sanders. 

The following was rather a spic^, gentlemanly letter from our venerated 
progenitor : 

Bobert Sanders to Dr. Godfrey Smith. 
ii gir "Albany Jany 24, 1763. 

" I have yesterday p'" post from New York Rec' your Extraordinary 
Letter of 3 Ultimo postage 2s. 6d., & am surprised to hear and see you 
Run ont to such a length against me for Not sending to you the Vinegar 
and Turnips which you and Col : Salstonstall Desired Last November to 
be sent to Crown Point. I did then own & Confess to Col. Salstonstall 
that I had no Interest Enough in this Country to prevail on Waggoners 
to go up to Lake George that time of the Year with their Waggons and 
horses with Turnips as the Roads then were. He then Seemed Sensible 
of it and as to Vinegar I could not get it In the whole City. Desired 
Mr. Blodget to Enquire and search the Town for con)mon Vinegar he was 
so good as to do it (as I was not able to as the Doctor would not sufifer 
me on acct. of my leg) but could find none under 6 Shillings P' gal : and 
I Was advised Then to send none at that price, and at the Same Time 
Assured that Good Vinegar was Plentifully to be had at Crown Point for 
that selfsame price if not under, and you was sensible I would pay your 
Draft on me for it. 

" You are pleased to say in your Letter (' perhaps yorf will send the De- 
sired articles In the Month of February when they will be Destroyed by 
the frcst and not worth a farthing and the Govern' must have your 

' A Johannes is a Portuguese gold coin of the value of eight dollars. 



Legacy op Historical Gleaninqs. 3.5 

Expense'). T am Glad to know your sentiments thereabout, and you 
may Depeml I will semi no Turnips luiloss you Possitively order me by 
a line or two from you to do it tliis Winter. Vinej^ar I believe is still 
to he not ha'l in Town unless I pay here <).«. p"" pallon and I Chuse not to 
do When it is to be had at that price wlien; I had orders to send it to. 
I all ways do for my Kmployers as if they were personally present. I 
wish you the Cuuiplini"' of the Season. 

'• Sir, y' most hum : & obt Servant 
" To Doctor Godfrey Smith." " Koiieut Sandkrh. 

Robert Sanders to AbraJuim J. Ltinsing. 

a j)q^^ gir "Albany Jany 15 1763. 

" I send p'' you to Boston three Province Notes which carry Interest from 

the Date Kaeh Note of the Treasurer there (viz) one of £0 Lawl'ull Dated 

the 11 feb> 1700 to J. Tyn<;. one of £(i L' In dated the 11 fob> 17t)0 to 

J Tyng. One of £9 1/ In Dated the l.J May 1700 to K. Tyler, for which 

please to take of the Treasurer Spanish mild Dollars or pistoles, it bo so 

pood it brini; them with you here & you will oblige me. My Compliments 

to all KiKiuiriiii^ friends it wish you a pleasant prosperous .Journey to 

there it safe home again. " I am Sir, y most humble Servant. 

u \i K\ I T T • »> . '■ KoBEiiT Sanders. 

" Mr. Abraham J. Lansing. 

In 170.'>, the celebrated controversy with New Ilampsliiro, respecting 
boundaries commenced. The disputed territory is now called Vermont. 

Rijbcrt SaiuUrn to John M. Wendell. 
uD.arSir, "Albany Aug« 15, 1763. 

"I did write to you last p"^ Dominie Ilowman on the 20 Ultimo to which 
am Constrained to Refer among other things I did therein by way of 
I'ostcript Let you know that Mrs. Sanders was then Dangerously Sick of 
a feaver To my Great Grief and Sorrow Must Hereby let you know That 
it hath Plea.sed the (rreat Ruler of all things To take to himself after 9 
or 10 Days Sickness on July ;}() my Dear Valuable Wife Mrs Sanders 
[I'ilizabeth daughter of Col. Peter Schuyler, she was born January 1, 17-5] 
which (Jreat Loss is most hethorto Insupportable to me I pray (rod t4) take 
it some what from me it that God will prepare and titt us all for the Like 
Tnavoidablc Change. I trust you will be good Enough to communicate 
This my great Grief and Loss to our mutual friends with you it to Mr. 
Wibird it his Kspouse if Vou have Occasion to Write to him. I cant as yet 
write much you can Well Think tho' it may Come too again Mrs Sanders 
left me Sitting with 5 children one Son & i daughters the Eldest Daughter 
going in her 14 Year [Wife of Philip Van Rensselaer] & the Youngest 
Daughter going in her 18 mouths :i Suckling yet when her mother Died. 
I Intended to have Come & see you & to have Collected my .lust Debts 
in your part Next month Hut Now give over all thoughts of it and must 
Rely on Hvery man's Honesty that owes me Money. 1 shall now only add 
that I am with kind Salutations to all friends with you Dear Sir, Your 

Affected Cousin. » Robert Sanders 

" Mr John Mico Wendell Boston. 

" It is very probable vfc shall bo obligeil to carry on a war the nest Year 
against the Ott;iwawa Indians and some of our five Nation lu'lians for they 
or some of them commit daily murders on our People in our Garrison. R.S." 



36 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Robert Sanders to Sir William Johnson. 

,, „ . , e- " Albany Novembr : 15 1764. 

" Honbie Sir : j , 

" I have Just Now Rec' your favour of the 8 Cur' Noted you would 
take up the Bond W^'' you Executed Jointly & severelly with Mr. Wells 
to me on the 7 June 1762 for £700 : — : — Two Years & 4 months Interest 
thereon due the 8 June @0i V^ C' 106 : 3 : 4 — Amounts in the whole to 
the 7 Instant to £806 : 3 : 4 which sum you or they Can pay & Discharge 
when you please But as I have at present no Occasion at New York for 
it I would Chuse to Receive it here In New York Money — Jersey Money 
I find Good Deal of Trouble into pass it here Among our farmers As you 
Doubtless will with me Daily Experience. I have Labored above Two 
years under a Malady which Rendered me Spring and Summer past In- 
capable to write much or hardly at all But It seems I mend something 
Dayly at Least I think so & thank the Great Ruler & Disposer of Heaven 
& Earth for it and am In Great hopes of Recovering my Former State of 
health again. I Cant At this time Enlarge Shall only Add that I am with 
Greatest Regards Dear Sir — 

" Your hum, & most Obd' friend k well wisher 
<* Sir William Johnson, Bart." " Robert Sanders. 

Robert Sanders to Messrs Cliampion & Eayley. 

"Gentlemen, " Albany April 13, 1765. 

" The Enclosed Memorandum I Confirm to be Copy of my Last to you 
This Serves purely to hand you the 2A Bill thereof to Serve in Case of 
need and to Assure you I am very Respectfully, Gent, Your Most 

'' Hum''i« S^t Robert Sanders." 

The following month, May 24, 1765, Robert Sanders the veteran cham- 
pion of his country's rights, passed away from the stirring scenes of life 
at the age of 60 years, for the lamp of life ceased to burn. 

Among the family efi"ects is a singular Patent for Christain Stadle, 
engraven on parchment, having attached to it the great Seal, stamped on 
one side with the " Ijiou and the Unicorn." 

" New York Secretary's Office 30th July 1765 — The within Letters 
patent are recorded in Lib. patents to reduced Officers, &c., page 123, 

"G°Banyar, D. Secr'y." 

" Neio York Auditor Generals Office 30 July 1765 — The within Letters 
p atent are Docqueted in this Office. , ^^ Banyar, Dep. Aud." 

" George The Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, 
and Ireland; King, Defender of the faith, and so forth: To all whom 
these Presents shall come Greeting: Knoav Ye, That of Our especial 
Grace, certain Knowledge, and meer Motion, We, have Given, Granted, 
Ratified, and Confirmed ; and Do by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs, 
and Successors, Give, Grant, Ratify, and Confirm unto Our loving Subject 
CiiuiSTAiN Stadle being a disbanded non Commission Officer having 
servcn in North America during the late War and last belonging to our 
Fifty-fifth Regiment of Foot : All that certain Tract or parcel of Land 
situate lying and being in the County of Albany on the East-side of 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 87 

Iludsons River within our Province of New York : IJoginninj^ at the 
Southwest Comer of u Tract of Lan'l Surveyed fur John McDoiiahl and 
runs tlieiice East Sixty Chains and sixteen Ijiiik.s ; Then Snutli Tliirty- 
five Chains; Then West Sixty ('hains and Sixteen liinkw and then Nurtli 
thirty-five (Jhains to the phice where this Tract first be;^an Containing 
Two hundred acres of Land and tlie usual AMowanco for Highways." 

Tliis curious Patent is too lengthy to be further copied but it is chised 
by '• In Testimony whereof, Wo have caused these Our Letters to bo 
made Patent, and tlie (Ireat Seal of our said I'rovinco to be liero unto 
aflixcd. Wifnrss our Trusty and Well beloved CauwaLLADER CoLDEN 
Ks(iuire our Lieutenant (jrovcrnor, itc, &c. * * * ci r'. ., .- " 

PniLiP was the second son of Col. Kiliacn Van Rensselaer and 
Ariaantie Schuyler. In the old family Ilccord I find in my maternal 
grandfather's own writing these notices: 

" 1747 May 19th New Style was I, Philip Van Rensselaer born in 
Albany." 

" 174i) October 15th N. Style was Maria Sanders born in Albany." 

" 17t)8 Pebruary 24th, Philip Van Rensselaer <j<trnn/ met Maria 
Sanders and Elizabeth Schuyler, by Dominie Eilardus Wcsterlo at the 
house of her grandfather Peter Schuyler, at the Platts." 

Col. Philip Van Rensselaer was appointed in July, 177G, commissary 
of military stores of the Northern Department by General Schuyler, and 







* 



ClIEItUY HlI.L. 
Built by Philip Van ifensaelaor. In 17G8. 

confirmed by congress. We see from his private papers, the hard times 
they had to contend with in raising money and getting supplies for the 
army. Ho was an upright and successful merchant and well deserved 
the high consideration in which he was held. When on a visit to New 
Orleans, ho was prostrated with yellow fever; though able evenfuallv to 
return to his home at Cherry Hill, a beautiful site overlooking the Iludsou 



38 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

river and commanding a fine extended view. He never recovered perfect 
health. In this mansion, built by himself the year of his marriage, he 
died. The following notice cut from a newspaper was pasted in grandma's 
scrap book: "Died, on Saturday last (March 3, 1798), Philip Van 
Keusselaer, Esqr., aged 51 years, at his Seat at Cherry Hill. His funeral 
rites were solemnized on Weduesday." He left a large and valuable pro- 
perty to his wife, and children, six zoons and three doegters, only seven 
of whom survived their father. The conversation of my grandparents 
was conducted principally in Dutch. Yah Mynheer and Yah ! ya vrouw 
was often interspersed in their English familiar discourse. 

" The troops quartered in New York and Boston, were a constant source 
of irritation and diflSculty with the inhabitants. On March 2, 1770, a 
fray took place in Boston between a British soldier and a man employed 
at a rope walk. The former was supported by his comrades, tire latter by 
the ropemakers, till several on both sides were involved in the conse- 
quences. This quarrel was renewed by the citizens on the evening of 
the fifth when a more dreadful scene was presented. A part of Captain 
Preston's company when under arms were pressed upon, insulted and 
pelted by the mob with snowballs covering stones. They were ^Iso dared 
to fire, which they finally did, killing three of the multitude and wounding 
five others. The town was immediately in commotion. The ringing of 
bells, the beating of drums, and the shout to arms ! by the people, soon 
brought together thousands of citizens. A body of troops sent in the 
meantime to rescue Preston's men, would doubtless have been massacred, 
had not Governor Hutchinson and some of the leading citizens, among 
whom was Samuel Adams interfered. The result of the trial reflected 
great honor on John Adams, and Josiah Quincy, Esqrs., the council for 
the prisoners ; and also on the integrity of the jury, who ventured to give 
an upright verdict, in defiance of popular opinion. Three days after the 
massacre, the obsequies were solemnized. Every demonstration of respect 
was manifested. The stores and work-shops were closed, the bells of 
Boston, Charlestown and Boxbury were tolled, and thousands followed 
the remains to their final resting place. The bodies were all deposited 
in one vault. The consequences of this tragical event, sunk deep in the 
minds of the people, and were made subservient to important purposes. 
The anniversary of it was observed with great solemnity for thirteen years 
and tended greatly to widen the breach between the colony of Massachu- 
setts and the mother country." 

• 

Philip Van JRensselaer to his Wife. 
" My Dear Wife " Wednesday N. York, July 31, 1771. 

* * * " I now take this opportunity by Capt. John Fryer, to Acquaint 
you that we arriv'd here Safe a Sunday Morning about three O'Clock in 
a very good State of health hoping that this will find you and our Dear 
Little children and all the family in the same. I hope to Sitt out for 
home next Tuesday if the weather will Permittus to Coast the Sloop after 
our Cargo is Sold. 1 have Sold my Peas most all att 7s pr : Bus. and 
my Wheat is all Sold but not Settl'd Cause I am to have what Capt VaU 
kenburgh of Claverack gits — he has about GOO Bus. and he stands out 
for a Dollar. But 1 am of opinion that he will not git more than 7s. lOd. 
pr: Bus: — is no demand for flour, what has Been Sold last fitch'd 21s. 
cSt 20s. G'/, but I am in a fair way to git 21s. on Condition of Six weeks 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 



39 



Cr : rierc is nothinj; Strange — but the Country Suflfers Very much, of 
all the Kuin it has had of Late, a groat a Bundaiice of Wheat is Spoilt on 
the lields, flax and Indian corn likewis^e. 1 was a Sunday three times att 
Church. I. Dined att Mr. Kays, a Monday at Mr. Shaws, this day 1 am 
to dine att Mr. I^udlow.s. 

•• No more att present But I llemaia Your Loving Husband till Death 

" Departs us, and Humble Servant 
•' Mrs. Philip Van Rens- 
selaer, at Albany." 



^2... ^l^-^^ 



Thc.<'C reliable entries are valuable as showing the names of merchants 
doing business; the prices of articles of merchandise; \\a well as other 
facts more or le.ss important, not otherwise to be obtained. 

The colonists had become greatly 
exasperated with all their grievances, 
the taxation system was obnoxious, 
and a " rigid observance of the non- 
importation resolves " was enforced. 
'•The popularvoicedecided thatwhile 
the rlijht to tnx tea wasmaintained, it 
should not be lauded. In New York 
hand-bills wore circulated, threat- 
ening with ruin tliose who should 
vend tea, warning pilots, at their 
peril, not to conduct ships into that 
port laden with the article. The 
same spirit pervaded the people from 
New IIan»pshire to (Jcorgia. In the 
meantime, several ships, containing 
thou.sands of chests, arrived on the 
coast. So determined weretbe people 
not to allow the tea to be landed, 
that ship after ship was compelled to 
return to Kngland The tea ships 
designed for the supply of Boston, 
were consigned to the son, cousins 
and particular friends of (5 over nor 
Hutchinson. On December IG, 177.{ 
(the British Governor Hutchinson 

having refused a pass for the return of a number of vessels laden with tea 
which had just arrived), a person in an Indian's dross gave the wur whoop'iQ 
the gallery of the a.ssouibly rooms at Boston. At this signal, the people 
hurried to the wharves; when a party of about .seventeen persons, dressed 
as Mohawk Indians, protected by thousands of citizens on shore, boarded 
the vessels, broke open and emptied the contents of three hundred and 
forty-two ehesLs of tea into the ocean, without tumult or personal injury 
When the intelligence of this summary proceeding reached Kngland, it 
was condemned by the government as enormously criminal. They me- 




Van Uenbsei.aek Coat ok AK>fs.* 



• Tlu" above Coat ok Akms of our ancostors is nnuarkable for a cross bearing 
the motto '* JUicmand Zonder," " No one without" (a cross). 



40 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

naced our province with the most exemplary vengeance because their 
government was deprived of a revenue from this quarter, and formed a 
scheme still to introduce tea under cover of the East India Company. 
The American people, however, would not be imposed upon and they 
firmly adhered to the resolutions not to import or consume tea at all. In 
consequence of this step, the parliament passed the Boston Port Bill 
to discontinue the landing of goods at Boston. The first of June, 1774, 
was kept as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer asking Divine direc- 
, tion and aid." 

General Schuyler to PJdlip Van Rensselaer. 

,, c- " Saratoga, Nov. 18th, 1774. 

"Sir: & J J 

•' Please to bring for me from New York five Dozen Mill Saw files, and 

2 Barr^ Nails 2 Barrels 20^ nails & 2 Barrels 10^ nails. I would have 

get them from Henry White, Esqr., If he has them and get the Bill of 

parcels that I may settle It with him or from whom you get them. 

" Please to ask Philip Livingston, Esqr., for the Bell he was so good as 

to promise for the Saratoga Church. I wish you a good passage and am 

Sir Your most 

Obed Servant 




" To Capt. Ph : Van Rensselaer." 

Robert Ray to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

u gjj. . " New York, May 6th, 1775. 

" My last to you was 21 Ult. to which refer. Since rec' none from you. 
The Gentlemen concerned in Hogestrassers Bond are anxious for the £300 
which you received for them ; they say they would long ago have drawn 
on you for the Money according to your Order ; they would have drawn 
on you by Mr. Seagrove but they were fearful it might be taken you to a 
Nonpluss, which they chose to avoid. Cousins Deborah & Betsey (who 
are the Bearers of this) arrived in a troublesome Time, the particulars of 
which, I shall not enter into, as you have had tliem long since in the 
Newspapers, as such I could not advise Cousin Betsey to stay here. I 
have had thoughts to have sent my Wife, Sister & Caty to your place for 
safety, and some of my principal Eff'ects ; but I am entirely at a Loss 
what to do J however I have taken the Liberty to send pr. Mr. Vanburea 
twelve hhds H. S. Rum, which I desire you will store for me, and if you 
can dispose of them at 2.s. 7<l. pr. Gn. for the Cash, or 28. 8(/. for three or 
four Months Credt. in good Hands would have you do it. Whether your 
place or ours will be the safest against our unnatural Enemies I cannot 
now well determine. We have chose a new Committee here of 100 of 
the principal Inhabitants, of which Number I have the Honor to be one ; 
we are invested with large Powers; we have met every Day for a Week, 
sometimes twice a Day. We long to see the provincial Convention con- 
vened. We are become unanimous here to a Man, as you will see by the 
inclosed Associasion^ which is generally signed by all Ranks of People. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 41 

If it should 90 happen that you tliink our place greater safety than your 
own, I have House lloom and every thiw^ else for your Family nt ynur 
Service. It beinj^ I'l ()'(!lock at Ni^'ht I am almost too miu-h confused 
to write. We have had most of the Cannon moved froiu Town to Kin^'s- 
hridj^e itc, and part of our Committee have heen out tliis Da) to pitch 
upon the (Jround where to build Batteries A: Intrcnchments fur our De- 
fence, we are in j^ood Spirits tliou^^h times look very (Jloomy; we cx|iect 
by the 15 or IS of this .Nlonth, all oiir I'oris will be shut up by the Con- 
tinental Coni^'ress, all tlie Vessels in our Harbour are hurrying all tliey 
can to ;^et away by that time ; that if you can <;et any Wheal down by that 
time, I believe it will feteh the |)resetit price which is Cys. 4'/. pr. Hushel, 
& perhaps more; after that time 1 expi-ct it will not sell alall. Inclo-ed 
you have Invo. for the 1- hhds ot lluiu. Couz. Deborah Just now 
shewed me your letter to her: I take it extremely kind your lnvitini;my 
Wife, Sister Sally and Caty to Come to your house in these very trouble- 
Bome times. 1 am much obli;;ed to you. After kind Salutation from us to 
your Family and All Friends I am Sir, Your Loving Cousin 
" Mr. I'hilip Vanranslear, .Mercht., Albany." " i^OBKRT Ray. 

" When the Provincial Congress a.sserabled May 22, 1775. measures 
for defense were taken. Four regiments were authorized to be raised ; 
fortidcations at King's IJriilge were ordered and tlie Hudson pa.sses in the 
Highland fortified." At the beginniiit: of the year 1776, the American 
people were very much exasperated with the aggressive measures of (ireat 
Britain and universally "expressed open contempt for all royal authority 
exercised by officers of the crown." An effort was being made to induce 
the Canadians to take up anns against the rebellious colonists. Sir John 
Johnson succeeded to the titles and estate of Sir William his father and 
"exerted his influence in the Hritish cause." It was at this time au ex- 
pedition was arranged by the Americans to invade Canada, the stepping- 
stone to which, was boldly set in motion by the marvelous capture of 
Ticonderoga, on May lU, 1775, by Col. Ethan Allen who demanded it 
*' 7h t/n' ntimr of th'' Griuit Jihovdh mid thu Continrntitl Coni/rrss." A 
zealous divine in his pulpit prayed : " Oh I Lord, if our enemies will fight 
us, let them have fighting enough. If more .soMiers are on their way 
hither, sink them, O Lord, to the bottom of the sea. Every heart re- 
sponded Amen, let them have fighting enough." 

Li'oii'' Van Bnren to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

" Dear Sir : '* ^^'^ ^^'■''' ^^^ August, 1775. 

" According to your Desire your petition has been Delivered into the 
Provmcial Congress, they have nccordini.' to your Ke(|uest granted that 
Four hundred and fifty Harrcis of Fork Shall be sent by (Jovernor Trumblc 
of Connecticut, their Order to the (lyvernor i-< (In Provincial Congress 
at N. York. August Sth, 1775. Ordered, that (Jovernor Trumbale be 
re(|ucsted and ho is hereby requested by this Congress to permit the 
Quantity of four hundred and fifty Harrels pork to be sent to N. York to 
the Care of Messrs. Dennis tt Daw.son to be forwarded for the use of the 
Coutiuentile Army in the Northern parts of this Colony. 

" A true ('opy from the Minutes 

" JouN McKesson, Secry." 

C 



42 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" I have taken and send you A List of What is on Board as Near As I 
can recollect, you'll be good enough to ceep our Salt Separate as it lays in 
the Sloop. * * * ., Y^^^ -p^.^^^ ^^^ Humble Servant, 
" Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Albany." Leon'' V. Buren. 

Leonard Van Buren to PMlip Van Bensselaer. 

u Pear Sir, " ^^^ ^^'^ ^"g ^^^^ 1^^^- 

" After sending home our Sloop, I left New York on my Journey to 
Governor Trumbull in Chonectukitt, and in going inquired about Pork 
found it very scarse, it being allmost all bought up by their Commisserys, 
which I Inform'd the Governor, he gave me a permitt to buy pork, but 
said could give me no ord§r on the Commissery for one Barrel pork, but 
he give me a Letter to one of his Chieff Commisserys, for him to use his 
pleasure, that Commissery told me it was not in his power to give me a 
Barrel of that which was brought, but would send an Express Immediately 
back to Gov. Trumbull, which he did, and desired me In the meantime 
to go to Danberry to one Jno. McClean to buy as much as possible and 
he would there let me know at Danberry. I waited one day for the 
Commessarys Express & Bought upwards of Two hundred Barrels pork 
& left Eleven hundred pounds in Cash Lawfull money with Jno. McClean 
for him to Buy the four hundred & fifty barrels and Pay it in full & it 
should be Repaid by us. the pork he was to have sent by water to New 
York. I proceeded my Journey to N. York and could not Learn one 
word of our Sloop. I sitt Sail With Capt.^Clutt on Intent to meet our 
Sloop or find her at Albany but coming in Haver-straw mett peter Bradt 
About sunsett who Informed me that our Sloop was then behind him about 

2 hours Sailing, I being Afraid to pass her in the Night Stept on Boord 
of peter Bradts and Arrived again In N. York the 24 Instant where now 
wait very Impatiently for our Sloop not knowing what can be the Matter 
with our Sloop. Mr. Robert Yates and Mr. Jacob Cuyler now Inform me 
that the Express sent by the aforesaid Commissery to Governor Jonathan 
Trumbull was from there sent to General Washington for his orders, and 
he has sent Express that Pork must be had Immediately the full Quantity 
you desired and sent to the North River by Land and not by Water which 
I Judge Will be some where in the high Lands, but will be farther In- 
formed by the next post. 

" On my Arrivall from haver Straw in N. York I was Informed of the 
unhappyAffair of the Yorkers and Captain Vanderpott, the Citizens being 
on the 13attery to take away the Cannon, and the Capt. of the Asia had 
had Information that Afternoon of some Bad person, placed his boat nigh 
the Shore to give him a Signall as he Afterwards had wrote himself to the 
Mayor of the City, the Boat fyred one gun. One Company of ours made 
thought they fyred on them and gave the Boat a full Volley and only 
killed one, the Captain thea began to fire with Cannon, he then wounded 

3 of our men very slightly, hit in several houses. No more now for 

want of Room and time. ^ ^^ ,^ ^ 

" Leon" \ an Buren. 
" Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq. Albany." 

" The Committee of One Hundred, guided by the popular will and per- 
ceiving a resort to arms to be inevitable ordered Col. John Lamb, who 
was then a captain of artillery, to remove the cannons from the grand 



Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. 43 

battery and the fort, and take them to a place of security. Flo proceeded 
to the hattery at nine o'clock on the eveuinj^ of the twenty-third of August, 
accDiupaiiicMl by a body of citizens fully prepared for acti(jii. Captain 
Vaiideput of the Asiu, inffirnRMl of the intended movement, sent a barge 
lilioil with armed men to wati'h the patrioLs. When they ajtpeared, a 
musket ball was indiscreetly sent amtnig tliem from some over-zealous per- 
sons on the barge. It was immediately answered by a volley, when the 
barge hastened to the Axin, bearing several men killed and wounded. 
That ve.s.sel opened her port-holes, and then hurled three balls ashore in 
quick succession. Lamb ordered the drums to beat to arms ; the church 
bells were rung, and while all was confusion and alarm, a broadside came 
from the Asia, but no lives were lost." 

My father's uncle, t^'olonel Nicholas Van Rensselaer, the third son of 
Colonel Kiliacn Van llcnsselaer and Ariaantie Schuyler was with General 
Montgomery at the storming of Quebec, 'and engaged in the disastrous 
battle before that city's beleaguered walls on the memorable December 
31, 177').' 1 well remember the benignant old gentleman when living 
below Greenbush in the old Dutch house of small bricks imported from 
Holland, with its gable and high pointed roof, facing the Hudson river; 
the Ijcavy wooden stoop with the wi<lo .scats on either side and the 
ponderous front door " divided laterally in two parts," whose upper half 
was ornamented with the (juaiut heavy old brass knocker formed like a 
dog; and the *' old shutters with their curious fastenings and hinges." 
There too wius the antiquated soldier with his loved pipe for a constant 
companion, to alleviate any depression of spirits. " He blew out a whiff 
of smoke as fleecy as a ' summer cloud ' and while watching its fantastic 
movements and shapes," or speaking between the puffs of smoke as ho 
knocked the ashes from his burnt out pipe, would then again fight the 
battle over for our insfruction and edification. He had a conscientious 
sense of duty to posterity and delighted to tell of "the heroic lives which 
have been led and deaths which have been died in defense of liberty." 
In those days the tight breeches with silver buckles at the knee and 
braided long queue" were still retained. He would relate "the stirring 
scenes preceding and attending the battle and the subsequent gloom and 
foreboding that pervaded the country," of their sufferings and hardships; 
the rigors of that cold Canadian winter in 1775; of their stern resolve 
of " victory or death " as before daylight they came down from the IMains 
on December Slst. How silently they marched in the drifting snow, 
leaping over blocks of ice that they might charge the battery and then, 
when <|uite near, came the terrific shower of grape shot causing the deatli 
of their brave (icn. Montgomery and many others. Col. James Ijivings- 
ton and. himself were within a few feet of that officer when he fell ; it w;us 
indeed a most disastrous campaign in (^inada, but Col. V. K. .served 
during the entite war suffering great privations. He was accompanied 
by two near relatives, Cols. John Visscher and James Van Kenssel.aer, 
then all holding the rank of lieutenants. Col. Nicholas V. K., was not 
only at the storming of Quebec but was subsequently engaged in the 
battles of Ticomloroga, Fort Miller, Fort Ann, and lieniis's heights, and 
such was the esteem in which he was held by Gen. Gates — being aid 
to (Jen. Schuyler — he was selecte<l to convey the intelligence, to the 
citizens at Albany, of (ieneral IJurgoyne's surrender at Saratoga on 
October 17, 1777. In 1818 when the remains of Gen. Montgomery were 



44 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

broujrlit to New York for interment, Cols. Nicholas Van Rensselaer and 
JdhirVissfher were hotinred pall-bearers. The following letters to my 
mother's fatlier — Piiilip Van Rensselaer — descriptive of the capture of 
St. Johns, Chambly and Montreal are interesting not only from recording 
these events, but they show the peculiar style of writing in those early 
days, one hundred years ago. These records of the past " are dingy 
and discolored by age and the letters almost undistinguishable from the 
accumulated dust of years." 

James Van Bensselaer to Philip Van Beniselaer. 

„ T^ o- " Ticonderoga, Aug. 29, 1775. 

" Dear Sir, ° ^ ' 

" I arrived this morning and should have gone on across the Lake, but 
the Bad Weather has prevented us. I can inform, that of our Army a large 
part is Already pushed on past Crown-point and we shall follow with the 
greatest haste. I expect to be in sight of St. John's in Less then Ten 
Days from this time we shall not wait for the Troops at Albany, their De- 
lay will be too Long for us to Wait for them. I believe any things you 
will have for me will be in Vain to send. You must not expect to hear 
from me before the reduction of that place. My Compliments to All 
Friends. And I remain Dear Sir, 

" Very Affectionately Yours, 

" James Van Rensselaer. 

" For Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany." 

James Van Bensselaer to Philip Van Bensselaer. 
*< Dear Sir " ^^^^ ^"^ ^o\x, 14 Septr., 1775. 

" You no doubt have heard of our attempt to attack Saint Johns, on 
the sixth we landed within Cannon shot of the Fort under a brisk Fire 
without the least hurt from them. We found ourselves in a Thick swampy 
woods where our advanced party Commanded by Major Hobby and Capt. 
Mead were attacked by about 100 Indians Commanded by Capt. Tice 
which lasted a Considerable time : our loss is 5 killed and eight wounded, 
3 of which are since dead. Major Hobby and Captain Mead are among 
the wounded, by certain accounts the Loss of the Enemy is six killed and 
numbers wounded. Capt. Tice is among the wounded. Since which 
General Montgomery has made a second attempt with 800 men. On their 
Landing they killed one Frenchman & Two Indians ; but the behaviour 
of our Troops on the discharge of a Few Booms of the Enemy is such that 
I should Blush to name it, they Retired with the greatest Confusion. 
To day we received a Letter from Mr. James Livingston by which we 
Learn that he with a number of Canadians have had an Ingagement with 
his [erased by time and the mice.] Twelve of them, upon which it was 
this day Resolved in the Council of War to send off one Hundred men 
with about Thirty Canadians that were here to Join Livingston, when 
General Montgomery with the remainder of the Army about 1100 Strong 
is to proceed down to-morrow to Saint Johns. I hope we shall succeed 
but if I am to Judge from the behaviour of our Troops on the Two Late 
attacks, I have but Little hopes of entire success. 

Your Brother Nicholas is well and in very high spirits. 

Friday 11 odorh at night, in haste. General Schuyler's state of Health 
is such as I believe will be attended with Great Danger, he leaves to- 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 45 

morrow for Ticonderoj^n which is a jjreut Discourajjeiueut to us. My kiiil 
Coiiipliiucnts to your Family and Iii<{uiriti^ Friendtt Adieu Dear Sir 
and am yours &c &c. T...r.uA' i?.. ....... i-. » po 

^ James > . UKNbSELAEK. 

" To xMr. IMiilip Van KiMisselaer at Alhany. 

" To the care ol" Mr. Walter Livin;rstou." 



'• General Scliuylcr liad issued a suitable proclamation to the inhabitants 
of Canada, on enteriii;^ that territory. lie had al.^n been informed that 
St. Johns was garrisoned by the whole rej^ular IJritish force in (Canada 
with tlio exception of only fltty men retained in Montreal by General 
Carleton, but all this proved to be untrue. In conserjuence of serious ill 
health General Schuyler was obli-red to relinquish the command to General 
Montgomery. After his return to Ticondeniga, he was active in forward- 
ing re-enforcements to Isle Au.x Noix ; and on his recovery from sickness 
devoted himscll' zealously to the management of the affairs in the northern 
departments. It was, indeed, fortunate for the army that Schuyler re- 
turned to Ticotjderoga at that time. He found every thing connected 
with the forwarding of provisions in the greatest disorder and detained 
on the way by neglect or indolence." Mr. James Van Rensselaer was born 
17 IG and died in 18-'J. He married 1st Cathariue Van Cortlaudt, Ud 
Elsie Schuyler. 

James I'un licnsscUnr to I'/tiii]! r<n( lit nsmlarr. 
" Dear Friend : " Camp before St. Johns G Ocfr. 1775. 

" I have wrote you Several letters since my Leaving Albany in hopes of 
having had the pleasure of one in return from you wiiich would have given 
me great satisfaction To hear from you and (Jrcen IJush. As you are the 
only person 1 expect a line from in Albany Hut the old sa}ing out of 
sight out of mind may be true. However I can with pleasure inform you 
that St. Luke La ('unie has Desired a Conference with us in behalf of 
principal Gentlemen of .^Iontreal, their Meeting will be To morrow at 
Laprairie. We have l)ispatched .^Ir. Mc lMiors(»n aml.Major Brown to Treat 
with them on our part. We hope the .^Ieeting will be a means ta con- 
vince the Canadians that we act upon Just Principals to restore them to 
their Just right.^ and Liberties. The Garrison of St. Johns is completely 
surrounded, the Canadians are Fntrenching on the East Side of the River 
opposite to the Fort, where they arc to have Two Cannon to annoy the 
Enemy's Vessels Col : Bedel on the North Side. Col : Scth Warner at 
Laprairie and the General on the South. We have had a Further A.^sur- 
ance of Friendship from the Caughnawaga Indians, this evening we shall 
have a Li inch Mortar playing on the Forts. Y<tu Cannot Conceive what 
pliMity of provisions we have here of all kinds from the Canadians in the 
Irish way to support our Array. Your Hrother is in perfect health. 
We are Hayly in Hxpectation of a Re-enforcement of 400 men from Tieon- 
deroga, when shall muster 2000, when we shall be able to force our 
Enen)y out off their hold. He assured this will be my Last Letter to you 
unless you write me and give me a good Kxcu-se. My Compliments to all 
Friends and particularly to your Spouse, and am Dear Sir, with the greatest 
regard Your most Obdt Humble Servant .. j^^^^^ ^ Rensselaer. 
"To Mr. Philip V. Rensselaer." 



46 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 



James Van Rensselaer to P/iilip Van Rensselaer. 

,, p, Q. " Camp before St. Johns, 23 Octr., 1775. 

" Dear Sir, ^ f ' ' 

" The Enclosed is a list of the Gentlemen Taken at Chamblie. I hope 

you will show them all the kindness in your power. Major Gansevoort 

[Peter Gansevoort], is still very weak. I hope to Leave this by the first 

of next month altho : the Army may Take up their Winter Quarters ia 

Canada. My Compts to all Friends. 

" I am Dr. Sir yours &c., 

" James V. Rensselaer. 

*' To Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq., at Albany, 

" In favour of Major Stopford." 

" A List of Officer's names, privates &c. — Major Stopford, Capt. Price, 
Capt. Godwin, Lt. Hamer, Lt. Harrison, A Surgeon, Lt. Shettleworth, 
Capt. Alye of the Schooner, Commis. McColough. 76 privates. 

" Si>oits taken at Chamblie the ISth Inst. — 80 Bar. of flour, 11 of Rice, 
7 peas, C Butter, 134 Bar. of Pork, 7 do Dam, 124 Bar. Gunpowder or 
6 Ton, 300 Swivel shot, 1 Box of Musket shot, cartridges, 150 French 
Arms, 3 Royal mortars, 61 Shells, 500 Hand Grenades, 83 stand of Royal 
Fusileers, 83 Accouterments of do, A Large Quantity of naval Stores, 
&c. etc., for 3 vessels, 5 French prisoners Taken at Longueuil." 

James Van Rensselaer, Esq., was aid-de.camp of General Montgomery. 
"When General Carleton was informed of the capture of Fort Chambly, 
he immediately left Montreal with a strong re-enforcement for the garri- 
son of St. Johns. With energetic power he embarked upon the river 
St. Lawrence in bateaux and flat boats, and attempted to land at 
Longueil, a mile and a half below the city. Colonel Seth Warner, with 
three hundred Green mountain boys, was on the alert in the neighbor- 
hood, and lay in covert near the spot where Carleton was about to land. 

He allowed the boats to get very near the shore, when he opened a 
terrible storm of grape shot upon them from a four pound cannon, which 
drove them accross the river. The Canadians were greatly alarmed at all 
the warlike preparations before St. Johns, and many fled, but a declara- 
tion was sent assuring them that the Americans intended to act only 
against the British forts, and not to interfere with the people or their 
religion. 




FOUT ClIAMBI^Y. 



General Montgomery had been informed by some of the Canadian 
scouts, that the fort at Chambly had but a feeble garrison, because Gene- 
ral Carleton supposed, as it was twelve miles northward on the river 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 17 

8orcl, it could not be reached by the Americans unless the one at St. 
Johns was captured. The ;;arrison made but a feeble resistance and the 
surrender of the Cliainbly furt was an important event, fur it I'urnishod 
(Jen. Monti^oinery with means to carry on the sie<;e f)f St. Johns vii^oruusly. 
" The lar;;e quantity of ammunition, amon<^ the stores were three Ums of 
p<iwder, that was captured was sent immediately to the besiej,'ers at St. 
Johns. The siej^e continued six weeks and tlien, on November 1st, the 
garrison surrendered prisoners of war, and the Continental troops had 
possession of the fort. After the defeat of Carleton the commander-in- 
chief immediately .sent a fla<; and letter to Major I'reston, the commandant 
of the garris(jn, informini: him of the defeat and demanding a surrender 
of the fortress to prevent further efi'usion of blood. They marched out of 
the fort, the next day, with the honors of war, and tlie troops grounded 
their arms on the plain near by. The officers were allowed to keep their 
side-arms and their fire-arms were reserved for them. The garrison had 
been on half allowance." 

Nicholas Van Rensselaer to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
" Dear Brother and Sister, ' ^^""tr^al Nov' 21 1775. 

" I embrace of this opportunity and inform you that I am in good health 
and hope these may find you and your family in the same. In the first 
place 1 must give you Joy with your young Daughter [my Mother.] In 
the next place I will inl'orm you how we have carried on our Seige against 
our Enemies. We lay at St Johns six weeks and four Days before they 
surrendered, the first of this Instant they gave up; the llUh of this Instant 
our (leneral [Montgomery] Marched in this Town without the tiring of a 
gun. (ieneral Carleton run oft' with twelve Vc-Jsels well Loaded with 
jirovisions and Ammunition and run Down about 40 Miles Uelow this 
place where we had a JJatfery with Eight (Juus in the very Narrowest 
place in the whole Uiver, where they Could nut pass without Heing taken. 
They made an Attempt once to go by, but they Kec' such hoot tire, that 
they was forced to go Back ; and our Hoyalty followed them up very Close 
and keep firing on them till they sent out a flag and made Capitulation. 
There was one Schooner Loaded with powder, that they threw all over 
lioard. We took the twelve Vessels and the Brigadier General one Lieu- 
tenant Col three Majors five Captains and six Lieut"* and 113 Privates, 
Besides the Sailors; they had a \'ast sight of provisions which we have 
all took. The Officers of our Battalion are all Resolved to stay till next 
3Iay and we are now Inlisting our men over again to stay till that time, 
So you need not Expect me home till then and if the Service Henuircs I 
shall stay Longer. 1 Expect we shall witiiin three Days, March to Vuhdck 
[Quebec] to take that the General is going olf to morrow. I shall now 
Best and "Remain Your Loving Brother 

" Nicholas V. Rkansselear 
"To Capt. Philip Van Rensselaer at Albany." 

After the garrison at St. John's, which commands the entrance into 
Canada, had been besieged and taken. General Montgomery pursued his 
success, and took Montreal ; and designed to push his victories to Quebec, 
but meanwhile secured the confidence of the people by treating them with 
kindness. Governor Carleton escaped at night in a boat with muliled 
oars, and arrived at Quebec. 



48 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

James Van Rensselaer to Philip Van Bensselaer. 
u Dear Sir : " Montreal 24 Nov^ 1775 

" Before this Comes to hand you will no Doubt have the full particulars 
of our Success, I shall only mention to you The Taken of General Pres- 
cott and 113 privates with Eleven sail of Vessels, in which we shall 
tomorrow Embark for Quebec to join Col. Benedict Arnold, who is there 
with about 600 of his Army. Many of them have perished on their 
march for want of provisions, this acco' we have of Capt. Ogden a Gentle- 
man from the Jerseys, who attended Col. Arnold. I hope you will Treat 
General Prescott with Disdain for his Barbarous Treatment of our friends 
in this Town. And also to poor Col. Ethan Allen who is shipped for 
England and Loaded with Irons. Your Brother is in good health and 
will attend the Army. My Compliments to all friends, and 

I remain Dr. Sir, your most obt. Hum. Servt, 

,, ,, Til •!• TT- -n 1 Aiu " James Van Rensselaer. 
" Mr. Philip Van Bensselaer, Albany. 

" Col. Ethan Allen had been sent a few weeks before the taking of St. 
Johns by Gen. Montgomery to arouse the Canadians in favor of the re- 
bellion. He was induced to make an, attack upon Montreal but was 
captured with thirty-eight of his Green-mountain boys, and sent to Eng- 
land in irons. Allen deserved his fate for his rashness and disobedience 
of orders. Still, he was very near capturing Montreal with the small 
party he had led in advance, as was subsequently admitted by one of the 
British officers. When Colonel Prescott learned by conversation with 
Allen, that he was the same man who had captured Ticonderoga, he was 
greatly enraged, threatened him with a halter, and ordered him to be 
bound hand and foot in chains with an iron bar attached. A body of 
troops commanded by General Arnold was ordered to march to Canada, 
by the river Kennebec, and through the unexplored forest. After suffer- 
ing every hardship, and the most distressing hunger while in the wilder- 
ness, the whole army that remained artived, on November 9th, at Point 
Levi opposite Quebec, after one of the most wonderful marches on record 
during the space of two months, and was soon joined by General Mont- 
gomery. Quebec, which was commanded by Governor Carleton, was im- 
mediately besieged. But there being little hope of taking the town by 
siege, it was determined to storm it on the last day of the year, December 
31st, by attacking Quebec on opposite sides. At 5 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. General Montgomery advanced against the lower town. He passed 
the first barrier, and was just opening to attack the second, when the dis- 
charge of a wall-piece from a neighboring hoiise stretched Montgomery 
lifeless on the bloody snow, together with his aid-de-camp, Captain Mc- 
pherson. The death of Montgomery was deeply lamented, he left on 
the rock of Quebec his blood, and to his country the legacy of his fame. 
Arnold also was completely disabled by a musket-wound and retired about 
three miles from the town ; after the arrival of General Wooster he re- 
turned to Montreal. Meanwhile Gen. Carleton, being re-inforced from 
England by troops under General Burgoyne, the Americans were obliged 
to make a hasty retreat, pursued by Burgoyne, and the whole army by 
July 1st were finally driven out of Canada." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 49 

Jame$ Van Remselaer to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
H Pear Friend " '^^''**^ Cjuarters, .Montreal, Jun'y 27tli, 177G. 

" Yours of the sixth Instant ('ainc to hand the 19 ' Ult, by which I 
find you oxpecteil 1 was {^ono to C^i^ebec but my reason for not K'^inj; wa:» 
my Laiueness in one of my feet. General Montgomery advised me to 
stay till such time as I was Uecovercd, on my recovery 1 waited on (ienerul 
Wouster, that I was desirous of j^oinj; di>wn. liut he had durinj; my 
Lameness sent Mr. Loekwood his iSecretary with Cash to the Army at 
Quebec, and Insisted on my staying; until such time as he returned , who 
did not Arrive but two days before the defeat and death of our bravo 
General. Since which time the Husiness here in j.'rantiii;: Commissions 
to the Canadians of the Several parishes who all choose their own Officers, 
has employed our time so Ktfectually that we have not had jjcisure for a 
moment to ourselves. Which I can assure you has a very «;ood effect on 
tlje Canadians in order to secure them to our interest. NotwithsUmding 
the Cunning Artifice of the Priests ami others, particularly the ScotLs 
Merchants in this Town who have Jointly done every thing in their power 
to excite the Country to take up .Vrms ag' us; they have absolutely re- 
fused the people who are our friends the rights of their Church. The 
spirits of our Distressed .\rniy is greatly revived by the Arrival of some 
Volunteers from Massachusetts govt, under Arnold ; also by the Arrival 
of the .^lilitary Chest by Capt. Henson and the other IJentlenien. Wo 
have sent about 250 men to the assistance of our Friends at Quebec, in a 
day or two the remainder of the first Hatt" of Yorkers are to march, Con- 
sisting of about lUO men, who are much wanted since our unhappy Aflair 
there. They are Determined to have possession of the Town or perish 
before they Quit the Ground they now possess. It is hardly po.ssible for 
you or any men in our Country to conceive the great Hardships they un- 
dergo. They are oblig<' to be on guard every other night and they are 
Continually Laying on their Arms. The Snow is about feet, the cold 
very severe and wliat's still worse the scarcity of Cash as nothing but 
gold or silver will answer hero. Unless one or two Gentlemen from your 
Quarter should undertake to bring up a Quantity of Stores and Goods, 
and take Continental Currency in payment. I have thought that if you 
and lirother Harry sliouM undertake any thing of the kind that I am 
very sure that you would make your fortune in a very sh(jrt time. No 
good IJtjuors to be had here, Spirits of Different Quality is sold from IG 
to 2U shillings. Rum from lU to 12 kc. I am very sure that no person 
in your parts can afford to Convey goods to this pi.ice to so great an ad- 
vantage and with greater Security than you might do. I have not heard 
from your Brother Nicholas since he left this for Quebec, which is a fort- 
night ago this day. As I am appointed Muster .Master to this Army in 
Canada I am ordered as soon as I have mustered the Troops here to March 
down to Quebec which will be the first Week after next, therefore you 
will not hear from me for some time ; please to present my ('ompt" to 
your Lady and the Young Ladies and to all friends. If we should ever 
return 1 hope our Hrave frietuls will be rewarded. I have rec^ the 
Cuttc. I am Dear Sir Yours &c. .. j^^^^.^ y Rensselaku. . 

" To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, -Vlbany." 



60 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" As soon as the news of General Montgomery's death reached Congress, 
resolutions of condolence with his family for their bereavement, and ex- 
pressive of their grateful remembrance and respect were adopted." 

" In England his name was mentioned in Parliament with singular 
respect. The minister acknowledged his worth saying : ' Curse on bis 
virtues, they have undone his country.' " 

The following letters to my mother's father, Philip Van Rensselaer, 
commissary of military stores of the Northern Department, show that the 
citizens of Albany were engaged in transporting provisions and other 
articles, and that " Rum was one of the principal items of traffic not only 
with the Indians on the frontiers of New York" but also to the army. 

Teunis T^ Van Vechten to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
" Dear Sir : " Montreal 9th Feb : 1776-. 

I arrived here this Morning safe with all my Cargo, but find the price 
of Rum much different from what we heard it was. ^find on enquiry that 
N. York Rum sells at 6s. and w. j. at 10s. per Gallon. Mr. Walter Liv- 
ingston advises me if I have a chance of selling the whole, at that price, 
to take it by all means, upon which I have been to General Woster and 
Gave him the offer of the whole, the N. York at 7s and the W. Indes at 
lis, upon which he has promised to give me an answer to Morrow. Goods 
I find so high here, that I doubt whether I shall purchase any only trifles 
that was sent for. Chocolate, brown Sugar, and Madaire Wines, I find 
very high here. The former sells from 5s to 6s. by the Box, but I doubt 
whether it will answer to send any of those articles up, as there are some 
Merchants from this place gone down, who I make no doubt will bring 
up a great quantity before you can send any up, however you must do as 
you think best, I have no time to enlarge at present, but shall give you 
a Chapter by the next Slays and am in haste. 

" Your Most Hble Servt., Teunis T^ Van Vechten. 

" To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Mercht : Albany. 

Teunis !> Van Vechten to Philip Van Bensselaer. 
" Dear Sir : Montreal 11th Feby : 1776. 

" In my last I wrote you that Rum was much cheaper here then we ex- 
pected, and that I had given General Woster the offer of the whole we 
have here at 7 & lis. and Yesterday I waited upon him at his own request 
to know whether it would answer for him to take it, he seem'd to. have 
an inclination to take it, but had some objections to the price of the lis. 
and said if I would let him have it at 9s. 4:d. he would take the whole. 
I then told him I would take 10 & 7s. which he seem'd to have no ob- 
jections to, but desir'd I would go with him to Price & Haywoods whom 
he had appointed Contractor for the Army which I <iid and after some 
discourse upon the Subject, they appear'd to be glad of the offer, and 
intimated as much, as that they would be glad to take the whole at the 
price the General offer'd, which I meant to have taken up with, if he 
would give no more, but before I left the House, the General, Mr. Price 
& Haywood were called out of the room one after the other, and when 
they came in again, the General told me if I would take Gs. for the N. 
York he would take it, but the lis. he did not want. I told him I would 
not take less than 7s. & 10s. and so left them. It appears very clear to 
me that there is a Combination amongst the Merchants of this place 



I 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 51 

(in which some others may be concern'd) not to purchase our rum, with 

the view of j^'itting it at their own price, but I am deterniin'd they shall 

take no advantaj^e of me, and mean now to make myself <|uito easy untill 

Dirck Swart comes up and take his advice upon the matter. I have sent 

nuthiiiLC down by the iSlays for want of Money. Mr. Livinj^stun advises 

me nuw by no means to take less for our Hum then 7». it 10«, I have 

no time to say more as the JSIays are Just now settini; of, please not to 

fail to send up a Good Cheese by the flrst oppertunity for Mr. Livingston. 

" Ideau — I am Yours, &c., 

,,,„.,. ^' n 1 » in " "Teunis T* Van Vecdten." 
" riulip \ an Rensselaer at Albany. 

177G, February 12 — Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer B' of Henry Oothout. 

3 Muskets at 70x., £10 : lU 

4 do & 3 Cartridge Boxes, IG : 



£2G : 10 
Mr. Robert Ray to PhUip Van RcnsscUur. 
u Sir . •' New York, 14 Febv 1776. 

" this minute I Rec' your Esteemed fav' of the 28 Janv and 7th Febr 
the Inclosed for Mr. Yates I have DO' the other two for Ch* Dickenson 
and John Livintjston shall endeav' to I).!)' tomorrow as they are both out 
of town : I shall as you desire emleav' to buy Livint^ston's Rum for you : 
as soon as he Comes to town : J. have not heard the price mentioned of 
that article in 2 or 3 weeks : then it was at 3.s-. and if he will take that or 
less shall purchase for you : my Still house as well as all others have been 
locked up this 2 months : and I do not know if there be a hh^ to Sell in 
town: however shall Enquire tomorrow : this being 10 O'clock at niglit. 
If I find any I shall be loth to purchase unless they will take the Risque 
of Delivering it at Albany, for we are in daily expectation of having our 
City knocked down and burned by the Men of Warr : most all the Effects 
are moved out of town : and at least half the familys are gone and others 
agoing so that we are a Complete (Jarrisontown : we have 2500 Soldiers 
here from Connecticut and Jerseys : Just now hear 1500 more troops 
from Connecticut are at Kingsbridge and many Company's from the 
Countys marching hither : it is Said by Saturday night we shall have 
8000 troops : I wish my family was at your jilace : tomorrow niornine 
Gen' Lee breaks (Irouiid to Intrench fronj north to East River, so that 
you may Judge of our unhappy Situation, observe you have Secured a 
hou.se for me and would lay up some wood for me : for which I am ex- 
trecmly oblige to you. I believe the Sloops that Come here first in the 
Spring will meet witJi good freight to move goods and familys up the 
River, observe Cousin Bet-sey Sanders is dead the Lord I hope will ])rc- 
pare us all for the like Change, observe you take the brandy to yourself 
at 8.S-. p' Gall: which is agreable. 1 shall j)ay Mr. Dickerson the Money 
if he ('buses to take it here. 

" I shall write you again Soon, ob.serve you expected to have £2000 — 
hard Money for me Soon which will be Very agreable: you may draw on 
mo for Money if you have occasion, observe what you say in regard to 
Cons" Sarah Babbington which is V^ery well : make no Doubt you will 
endeav' to get them some work so as they may get a living among you. 
My family are all in reasonable health : and give their Sincere love to you 
all : and Couz : John Sanders and his family : please to tell him wc Con- 



52 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

dole with liim in the loss of his Daughter. I beg you will push John 
Roff Close to get that order paid, 

" I am Uespeetfully Sir Y"" Most HumWe Servt. 
„ „ , „ " RoBT. Ray. 

" Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer." 

Bicliard Yates to P7nH2) Van Rensselaer. 
„ „. " New York, the 15 February, 1776. 

" I have already wrote you p'' this Post, since which I am favoured with 

yours of the 23 Ultimo by w'' I observe you had sold four Chests of Tea 

so as to Neat 4 s. 6, p"" pd and that you should be able to gett me hard 

money for the whole wch I take very kind. I observe you expected it 

would be all Sold in a few Days, that Article is now become very Scarce 

here and the price is Risen. I have a Parcell on Hand wch I will dispose 

of whenever 1 can obtain a Suitable Price, if the price advances with you 

lett me know and I can Supply you either from here, Esopus, Red Hook 

or Poughkeepsy. I have no other Liquor for Sale than Madeira Wine, 

you may have as much as you want, on the Terms mentioned in the other 

Letter. If you want any Sweet Oyle I can supply you, it is Choice good, 

if you Can Sell any for me I will send you as many dozen Quart Bottles 

as you please. I now inclose you Robert Hoaksleys order for Eleven 

Tons of the first Quality of Pearle Ash w'^''' I desire you'l receive and 

keep it till further orders, pray Inform me the Price of Pearle & Pott 

Ash. I would barter any thing I have gott for those Articles provided 

the price is Moderate. Can any quantity of Beeze Wax be gott and at 

what Rate. I have a few hhds. of Red Wine in the Hands of Mr. Morvin. 

I should be glad you could help him to a Purchaser, lett me hear from 

you p"^ first Post or other Good Conveyance, and keep all the money 

untill further orders. ,, ,7- l x. ^ o , 

" 1 our most hum' Serv^ 

" To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer." " Richard Yates. 

Abraliam P. Lott to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
„ g;^ . " New York, Febv 16th, 1776. 

* * * <( "\Yiii yo^ also be pleased to keep 601bs of the best of the 
Tea, let Mr^^. Van Rensselaer try it. Good Tea is very Scarce here, and 
I want it for my own use. All the Tea that I had Sold, except what you 
have. You will be pleased to speak to Sheriff Ten Eyck and Ask him 
whether he has Received or Secured the Debt due from Isaac Mann to 
me ; if not to Employ a Lawyer to Sue him Immediately. Mrs. & Miss 
Lott desire to be Remembered to yourself and all friends. 

" I am Sir, Your very hble Servt. 
" Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer." " Ab" P. Lotts. 

Mr Abraham P. iiott was a member of the " Committee of One Hun- 
dred/" whose energetic actions were exercised in behalf of the people 
according to their known will while the Provincial Congress legislated. 
It was indeed a grand Committee of Safety for New York State, consist- 
ing of one hundred of the most respectable citizens; among its members 
were Robert Ray, Kichard Yates, John Jay, &c. General James Wil- 
kinson (then captain) had been put under marching orders for Canada, 
subject to the command of Brigadier-general Sullivan who succeeded 
Gen. Thomas after the death of the latter by small-pox at Chambly. In 
May Captain Wilkinson was made the instrument of saving General 



Legacy of Historical Gleaninqs. 58 

Arnold and the <?arrison of Montreal, from the grasp of Sir Guy Carleton 
who had arrived within fourteen miles of Montreal without Gen. Arnold's* 
kiiowledjre. He was exccediii'^ly surprised at the report, but he was able 
tu make good his retreat by La I'rairie. 

The army in ('at)ada were subjeeted to very great hardships, sufferings, 
and privations during the whole of that disastrous eanjpaign. l)estituto 
of the necessary supplies ol" provisions and stores, exhaused by fatigue, or 
reduced by sickness, with the small pux, attended by unexampled mor- 
tality, they were for a long time in a state little short of desperation. 
Then too the misfortune which had taken place at the Cedars, about forty 
miles above Montreal, a post occupied by (!ol. lietloll. (Jen. Carleton'a 
Indians were led by Thaycndanegea (Joseph Hrant). Captain Urant 
exerted himself to control tiie Indians and prevent the n)assaere of the 
prisoners. Among these latter, wa.s Captain John McKinstry, (('oh 
MeKinstry, of Livingston Manor,) who commanded a company on that 
occasion and was rescueil from torture by the timely interference of I^rant. 
The very name of this celebrated chief at one period was enough to throw 
the country into conlusion. hi his day, when the Dutch was the pre- 
dominating language, the terrified inhabitants frit huppj/ when they a.s- 
certained that the cry of brandt I brandt ! o/j/y indicated the accidental 
breaking out ofjire. Capt. Hrant had the credit of all the foul murders 
and atrocities of that period, the nmrder of the Vrooman family, in the 
execution of which the Tories were more brutal than the savaizes, all of 
whom were dispatelied and scal[)el, the cruel ma.ssacres committed at 
"Wyoming and Cherry Valley and the very affecting story of the thirty 
years' captivity of young (Jroat, of Schenectady, were all attributed to him. 
An incident, however, occurred at Fort Hunter, which is greatly to his 
credit. After the enemy had departed, a woman came to the fort, whose 
husband and several other members of the family were missing. She 
was in an asjony of grief, rendered more poignant by the loss of her infant, 
which had been snatched from the cradle. Karly the next morning, while 
the officers at (len. llobert \'an Rensselaer's head(|uarter.-^ were at break- 
fast, a young Indian warrior came bounding into the room like a stag, bear- 
ing in hisartns an infant, and also a letter from IJrant, addressed to the com- 
mandingolhcerof the reiiel army, which rea<l thus : " Sir : I send you h^'one 
of my runners, the child which he will deliver, that you may know that 
whatever others may do, I do not make war upon women and children. I 
am sorry to say that I have those engaged with me in the service, who 
are more sava-^e than the savages themselves." Matters were now rapidly 
approaching a crisis ; the spirit of resentment was being fanned into a 
flame ; a dark and bloody cloud was hovering over the land, and the great 
question was soon to be decided, whether they would be slaves or free- 
men, whether their names should be blackened with the stigma of rebellion, 
or hande<l down to posterity as the saviours of their country. While 
Capt. Wilkinson was actively engaged in the duties of his station in 
Canaila he was ' suddenly struck down by a typhus fever ' which prevailed 
with great violence, and swept off more than one thousand of our tn)ops. 
" As soon as I could bear the motion of a wagon, was placed on a bed and 
transported to Albany, where I was restored to health by the fostering 
care of Philip Van Rensselaer, Ks(|., and his amiable lady, and the tender 
attoutioDs of General Schuyler and his respectable consort." 



54 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

, Eiibhard Broicn to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

«« Sir^ " Ticonderoga March 5tli 1776. 

" I have this Instant received yours of the 24th of February, shall 
take the 'first opportunity to Send all the arms both at this and Grown 
Point with the Casks and barrels of Eum according to your Order. 

" I am Sir, your Humble Servt, 
" To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. Hubbard Brown." 

Hubbard Broicn to Philip Van Renesselaer. 
"Dear Sir, Ticonderoga March 5th 1776. 

" I happened to be at Mr. Adam's when I received your letter. Made 
Immediate inquiry for your Rum, found it safe, hired Mr, Adams to Put 
it on his Slay and Carry it to My Store, think myself happy that it lays 
in my Power to oblige you. 

" I am dear Sir, at any Time, Yours to Command, 

" Hubbard Brown." 

Abraham P. Lott to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
«' Sir: "New York March 7, 1776. 

*' Whereas I have Partly Agreed to Supply the Army here, Shall be 
in want of a Quantity of Peas. Which you will Pleas to Purchas about 
five or six hundred bussells, on my Act. Lett them be good boyling peas, 
and Send two hundred bussell by the first Oppertunity. Lett the Capt : 
Land them at the North River. What Teas you have on hand of mine 
you Will not Sell Less then 5s. pr lb. as it Sells here for that Prise by the 
Chest. Mrs. Lott, Miss Phelu is Well & Desire to be Remembred to your 
Wife & Aunt Egberts family, they are in the Garyes [Jerseys ] Sir, I 
Remain your friend to Serve, " Abm. P. Lott." 

" Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Merchant in Albany. 

Richard Varick to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
'< Sir : " Head Quarters Albany March 28. 1776. 

"You will be pleased to deliver to the Bearer hereof Mr William McGea 
of Capt Peter's Company of Batteauxmen, tliree Hogsheads of Oakham, 
twenty Barrels of Pitch and all the Rope you have on Board belonging 
to the Public to be carried up to this Place Immediately. 

"I am sir Your Humble Servant 
" By Order of General Schuyler." 




This Order was sent by Philip Van Rensselaer To the officer on 
Board of the Vessel in which the Public Stores are laden who has the 
same in Charge from New York to Albany." 

Received From on Board of the Sloop Peggy & Betsey. Daniel Fur- 
gerson Master. 

20 Barrels Pitch. ") 

do Cap. Peters j 
do pr Capt. Clute 1 
Turpentine ) 

Barrels Pitch 

do " & a parcel of loose Oakum, 

Gerritt J. Lansingh, Capt. 



March 


29. 1776, 


20 


(( 


31, " 


15 


((' 


31, " 


34 




& 


4 


April 


1 " 


12 


(( 


5 " 


19 



Legacy of Historical Qleaninqs. 55 

" Richard Varick was a colonel at the battle of Stillwater in 1777 and 
a sterling patriot. lie admired Arnold us a soldier ; and when thai officer's 
defection became known, Varick was almost insane f<jr a day or two. 
Varick became one of Washington's military family near the close of the 
war, as his recording secretary. On the death of John Jay, he was 
elected president of tlie American Uible Society. He died on the 3Uth of 
July. IMil." 

" The IJritish army under (Jeneral Gage in Boston, consisted of twenty 

regiments, not less than 10,000 men. Some of these valiant Hritish ofli- 

cers, soon after they arrivetl, while walking on Heacdn hill in the evening, 

were frightened by the buzzing of beetles in the air, which they took for 

the whizzing of bullets." ,, --, • * * -i o;^.u i^-rr- 

*' " ( rown point April 25th 1776. 

" Pclivcr'd to Coll. Bowel to Be forwarded to f'anada rJC) Iluridered 

weight of Ledd. K< llundered weight of Ledd and 11) Iluiidered weight 

of Balls, one anvil, one vice, one Buckhurn, one pair of Belluws, one 

Sledge, one pair of tongs, one Hammer for the use of the United Colonys. 

" ^^''^'" '^*^ '^^''"*^- " Natiii Buell Asst. D.Q. M. General. 

Daniel Hale to Philip Van Iten*^l(ter. 
Dear Sir: "Saratoga 20 May 177G 

" By General Schuylers orders I inclose you a draft on Doctor Stringer 
for £, 387. 2. which Cash you will please to receive it remitt iinme<liately 
to Messes Tiudlow A: Shaw of New York with the £ 20 of ('apt Dow for 
account of General Schuyler; when Capt. \'arick comes upagaiu I purpose 
Bending you three or four hundred nuire for the .same purpose. You will 
much oblige me by inquiring at the Post house for Jjctters for me. 

" I am with respect Sir. 

"Your very llble Servt. 
" Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. Dan : Hale. 

Invoice of 22 barrels & 4 half bis. Gun Powder ship' on Board the 
schooner Resolution at New Wind.sor on May 23d 1770 by Henry Wisner 
Esq on Acct, the Continental Congress and adress'd to Philip V. Rensse- 
laer 

liofnrt B<~>i/(l to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
"Sir, In consequence of direction from Henry Wisner, E.sqr I now send 
you Continental Powder as Received from him agreeable the Above Invoice 
which wish safe to hand and in good Order. 

I am Sir, your most Obedt. Hum. Servt., 

RoiiT. BoYi>, Junr. 
P.S. This will be handed you by Lieut I'eter ElsworUi who commands, 
the guard was thought necessary to attend whom you'll please send me a 
Receipt by, also the freight if agreeable which think at least must be tea 
Pounds. 

Henry W^isner, Esq. was oneof the delegates to the first CoDtinental 
Congress in 1774. 

Crown Point 20 May 1776 — Received of Lieut. Job Cook, Late Com- 
manding officer of this Place one half Barrel Pork, one Barrel Condem** 



56 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Pork, Eleven Muskets, Two Blunderbustes, one forth of a Barrel of Oat 
Meal, Ten Gallons Molasses, Two Iron Pots, one Ax, one Barrel Salt. 
Together with a number of Towls, Lately taken from the Ruins of the 
Fort, such as Pistols, Guns & French Spades, Crow-Bars Bill-Hooks, 
Stone-Augers, & Stone-Hammers, the above Kec'* belonging to the Public 
Stores of the United Collonies. ^^ ^^^^ j^^^ ^^^^^^ Lieut. 

Henry Glen to PJiihp Van Rensselaer. 
« Dear Sir " " Schenectady, the 1st July, 1776. 

" Yours Yesterday I Rec' But was not Dated I now send you some 
Wagons in order to send over some Attellry stores as you have not men- 
tioned the number you do want I am at the loss to Know what number 
to send dont over load the wagons as the Road is Very Havey & them 
Stores Commonly Very Havey. I shall be Glad to know by the Wagoners 
the Quantity & Quality Each Wagon has in. I had a few days ago 
orders from General Schuyler to send you a Considerable number of 
Wagons. But them Orders was Contremanded on Acc^ of the Treaty 
with the Indians is Ref'ere'' till a further day. I have no doubt but 
Genl. Schuyler has ordea'ed you to let me Know for the Wagons only let 
me Know the number you want in the whole, you have orders I sopose 
to send a Certain Quantity of Ordnance Stores & its Easy to tell what 
Number of Wagons you will want — each Wagon carrys about one 1,0U0 
weight. I shall expect to hear this day if I am to forward them Stores 
& to whom & if any Person that has wheight of them. I have no Battoes as 
yet but Can get them, 

" I am in haste Dear Sir, Your most Hum' Servt. 

*' Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq." 

In New York, the leaden statue of George III was taken down and 
converted into bullets for the use of the Continental Troops. 

On the 4?A of July^ 1776, upon the report of the Committee, the 13 
confederate colonies dissolved their allegiance to the British crown, and 
boldly declared themselves Free and Independent under the name of the 
Thirteen United States of America. The declaration of independence 
was signed by 56 brave men. 

Christopher Tales to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

u gij. " AVood Creek, July 15th, 1776. 

" I Just now Receiv^i the Iron works for the Inglish saw-Mill having 
rece'' that of the Duch some time ago. I am in want for four Duch Mills 
saw-files and four Inglish &c. which you may Probably have a Chance of 
sending with the Iron work for the Barracks and the Store House. 

" I am Sir, your Hum. Servt 

'* Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer." " CiiRis" Yates. 

The mills were situated near the cascade on Wood creek. The mouth 
of the creek is a cascade and difficult for canoes to enter. Wood creek 
rises in Warren county, and flowing by Fort Ann in a deep and sluggish 
stream, receives the waters of the Pawlet, and falls into Lake Champlain 
at Whitehall or Skenesborough. 



Legacy of Historical Gleaxinqs. 57 

" The Independant States of New York 

to Ab'i' Ho;;crt & for' Duuw Dr. 177G, Auj^ 2. 
To 1 Anchor Weighs 3qt' 2<5 • with .Stock & I'uding (ix^ 9... £1;}: 11: 

To 1 Runner it Tackle Wei-hs lOtU Lh KHJ* 1 

To 1 Cable iu Length ,5U Fathom ic 2i Foot 300 j 406i Qi} G^ 10: 3: 3 

£23: 14: 9 

ileceived Albiiny 23' Nov' of P. Van Rensselaer Public Store keeper the 

Sum of Twenty three pounds, Hg. dd. in full. -^ ,, 

"^ ' Cornelius I>ul\v. 

Onlt m to the Annorir. 
'• Sir. 

" iMr. John James HIeecker is in want of 3 Guns. 

"To Mr. P. Schuyler." •^^"^' ''^- I^^^^-^-^'^kk. 

" Sir. 

*' Plea.so to furnish John Juuies Hleockcr with three Guns he {giving 

his Rec' for the same. ,, /i r> \t a 

'* C. Robt: Yates Secy 

" To Walter Livin<;ston, Ksq., Coms>'" 

" Rec>' the Contents. -iir m t • . 

Wm Thorn, Lieut, 

The Officers of the Provinci.m, Conoress were Peter van Hru:;h 
Livin^'ston as president; Volkeit P. Douw, vice-president; John McKisson 
and Robert Reuson, secretaries. 

Capt. Wm. Hull to Andrew Adanu. 
" l>ei.r Sir : Trenton, Jany let, 1777. 

" Have but a moment which .sjiall embrace with Pleasure to inform you 
of the present State of our Army and our late Succe.ss, After we had 
recruited a few days of a fati-^'uinf^ March of more than 25(J Miles (thro' 
all our Windiiii^s) Genl. Wasliin;;ton j^ave orders for us to be every way 
e(juiped for Action. On the Kveiiinij of the 25th Ult (Dec 25, 177t») 
we were Ordered to Mareli to a ferry [.>IcCoiikey's Ferry] about twelve 
Miles Irom Trenton, where was stationed near two Thou.saiid Hessians. 
As violent a Storm ensued of Hail & Snow as I ever felt. The Artillery 
and Infantry all were across the Ferry about twelve O'clock, consisting 
of only twenty one hundred principally New En;^'land Troops. In thia 
Violent Storm we marched on for Trenton. Refore Light in the Morn- 
ing we gained all the Roads leading from Trenton. The Genl. <'avo 
Orders that every Officer's Watch should be set by his, and the Moment 
of Attack was fi.xed. Just after Light, we came to their out (Juard 
which tired upon us and retreated. The first sound of the Musriuetry 
and Retreat of the Guards animated the Men and they pushed on with 
Resolution and Firmness. Happily the fire liegun on -every Side at the 
saiue instant, their Main Rody had just Time to form when there ensued 
a heavy Cannonade from our Field I'ieces and a fine brisk and lively firo 
from our Infantry. This continued but a Short Time before the Fnemy 
finding themselves flanked on every Side laid down their Arms. The 
Kesiilution and Rravery of our Men, their Order and Hegulariety "■ave 
me the highest Sensation of Pleasure. (Jenl. Washington highly con- 
gratulated the Men on next day in Genl. Orders, and with Pleasure 
observed, that he had been iu .^lany Actions before, but always perceived 

8 



58 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

some Misbehaviour in some individuals, but in that Action he saw none, 
Pennsylvania itself is obliged to acknowledge the Bravery of New Eng'd 
Troops. I have a List from Head Quarters of the killed and taken, which 
was taken the day after the Action, since which many more have been 
brought in : 1 Col. wounded since dead, 'I Lieut. Col^. taken, 3 Majors, 
4 Capts., 8 Lieuts., 12 Ens'ns, 92 Serj'ts, 9 Musicians, 12 Drums, 25 
Servants, 842 Privates, 2 Capt's killed, 2 Lieuts. killed 50 privates 
Six Brass Field Pieces, One Mortar, and about 1500 Stands ot Arms. 
A large Number of Horses and a vast Quantity of Plunder of every kind. 
And this, Sir, I will assure you with only the Loss of Six or seven on our 
Side, this is no Exaggeration but simple fact, 'tis impossible to discribe 
the Scene to you as it appeared. We immediately retreated across the 
River [Delaware] and did not get to our Tents till next Morning — two 
Nights and one day in as violent a Storm as I ever felt. What can't Men 
do when engaged in so noble a Cause. Our Mens Time expired Yester- 
day, they have generally engaged to tarry six weeks longer. My Com- 
pany almost to a man. Orders have now come for us to march for 
Princetown. We have a Eumor that it was burned last night by the 
Enemy, who we suppose are about retreating. Compliments to Miss 
Adams & Children. Adieu and believe me to be sincerely yours, 




" Andrew Adams, Litchfield Connecticut." 

Captain Hull, the writer of this letter, was the Maj. Gen. William Hull 
who subsequently, August 16, 1812, surrendered the American army at 
Detroit to the British General Brock. " General Washington, far from 
being discouraged by the loss of General Lee, had taken a stand on the 
Pennsylvania side of the Delaware. He collected his scattered forces and 
on the night of the 25th of December (1776) when the enemy were 
lulled into security by the idea of his weakness, and the inclemency of 
the night, which was remarkably boistei'ous, as well as by the fumes of a 
Christmas eve, he crossed the river, and at breaking of day, marched 
down to Trenton, and so completely surprised them, that the greater part 
of the detachment which were stationed at this place, surrendered after a 
short resistance. Gen. Washington was equally successful in his attack 
on Princeton and pursued Gen. Cornwallis for some distance. 



CHAPTER HI. 

Surrender of Burgoynb. 



My paternal grandfather. General Hendrick or Henry K., the eldest 
son of Col. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer and Ariaantie Schuyler, was born 
July 25, 1744. " He was a brave ofl&cer, who fought with great ardor 
and distinction in the revolutionary war. He was in several engage- 
ments during which he uniformly displayed great coolness and courage in 



Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 59 

trying scenes." The earliest evidence of his participation in the struggle 
for Independence h a letter to the (^uniiuittee of 8afety, rci|uestiiig 
supplies of ditlorent kinds for the garrismi under his command at one of 
the fort.s nil the Hudson river. He did not come in contact with the 
enemy while stationed there; but soon after w:i.s engaged in a little alTair, 
which, though of no very material conscijuence, serves to illustrate the 
well timed gallantry of a favorite, worthy citizen of Albany, and therefore 
in C(»nijeL'tion with his more important services, perhaps may merit a pass- 
ing notice : While out with a scouting party of militia some distance 
below West Point, ho was descried by a more numerous body of British 
cavalry, which pursued him so warmly that ho had barely time to gain 
the shelter of a neighboring log hut, when they surrounded it. He re- 
fused to comply with the summons to surrender, when the enemy dis- 
mounted and advanced on foot to compel him- to do so. As they 
approached, however. Captain Van Rensselaer ranged his men opposite 
the door, and at the proper moment threw it open himself, with the word 
to fire. The order was obeyed with terrific effect, h:ilf of the enemy fell, 
the rest fled in dismay and sought to mount again, but our brave men in 
their turn now followed .so closely, th it the enemy were obliged toabalidon 
their horses and trust to their legs for safety. One or two only succeeded 
in getting away, all the rest were either killed, wounded or taken. The 
captain's own particular object in the chase wa.s to secure alive the person 
of the enemy's leader ; it w;ls frustrated, however, by one of his men, who 
shot him down after a long run. The prisoners, horses, and arms were 
all carried to tlie American camp. Oapt. Van Rensselaer appropriated a 
fusee to himself, from the captured weapons and bore it as a trophy of 
this victory in every subsequent cxpediti(»n. 

Congress appointed Major (ren. Philip Schuyler to the command of 
the northern department including Albany, Ticonderoga, &c, and .^Iajor 
General St. Clair had the immediate supervision of the post^ of Ticon- 
deroga and Mount Independence. The battle of Lexington had opened 
the first scene to the great drama and after the Ji rat blood had been spilled 
all were ready for the war which severed America from the Rritisli em- 
pire. In July 1776 congress published their declaration of Indcpendenco 
and this great event wius followed by a desperate struggle on both siiles for 
the ascendancy. On the American's part every hand was employed in 
preparing for the reception of the enemy, and the public mind was turned 
from local and provincial contests but directed exclusively to the great 
contest now fiercely raging. The Rritish General Rurgoync commander- 
in-chief of the Knglish army in Canada designed to take possession of 
Ticonderoga and force his way through to Albany, and thus form a junc- 
tion with the Rritish (Jeneral Howe at New York. This wan tho general 
rumor, and apprehension reached its climax when on Juno 3Uth, 1777, 
General Rurgoyne's army at length made its ajipearanco near the posts at 
Ticonderoga. After a few unimportant skirmishes with the garrison, tho 
Rritish army was unexpectedly seen, on the ensuing July 5th, to take 
possession of, and earnestly engaged in extensive preparations for bom- 
barding the old fort, from the perfectly commanding but hitherto neg- 
lected height of Sugar loaf hill or Mount Defiance, only 14UU yards off 
which completely overlooked and commanded Ticonderoga. 

It is a matter of surprise to many of the present day, who visit tho 
scene of those operations, that tliis important elevJhion had never beeu 
previously fortified by any one of the occupants of this ancient fortress, 



60 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

and indeed, a neglect of the kind noio would be considered unpardonable. 
But when the wild state of the country, the entire want of roads, difficulty 
of access and the obstacles opposed to such a measure from the broken 
nature of the ground, are taken into consideration, the oversight in our 
officers will not appear so astonishing, particularly, as their more experi- 
enced predecessors in possession of this fort, both French and English, 
had deemed themselves sufficiently guarded in natural obstructions, from 
any annoyance in that quarter. However, all those difficulties were sur- 
mounted by the enterprise of the British army, who quickly " scaled the 
formidable mount." General Burgoyne, with a boldness, secrecy and dis- 
patch almost unparalleled, conveyed a number of cannon, stores, and troops, 
who soon cut roads through the forest up the abrupt sides of the eminence, 
its summit leveled and by " hoisting cannon by large brass tackles from tree 
to tree, and from rock to rock, over dens of rattlesnakes " they transported 
ordnance from their vessels to the heights for the destruction of our works 
at Ticonderoga. At this crisis, the foresight of General St. Clair quickly 
pointed out the inutility of further defense, and in a Council of War 
immediately convened by him, it was resolved to evacuate the fort that 
same night, an act by which " though he had lost a post he had saved a 
state," was afterwards verified. In pursuance of that design the baggage, 
munitions, ordnance, hospital stores, etc., at three o'clock, A. M. of July 6th, 
1777, were put on board the gun boats and bateaux un'der charge of the 
heroic Colonel Long, of New Hampshire, with 150 eifective men, besides 
the invalids, and sent through the South bay of Lake Champlain, to the 
Skenesborough falls on Wood creek, to be landed there, and transported 
round the falls, to other boats above, and thus to be dispatched for Fort 
Ann. The main body of our forces under Gen. St. Clair, being thus 
divested of all incumbrances, " retired by an unfinished road through the 
wilderness," and encamped the next night near Castleton, six miles beyond 
Hubbardton. Col. Francis and Col. Seth W^arner with the rear guard of 
about 8U0 men in all, quartered at the latter place. Interim Gen. Bur- 
goyne, having ascertained the movements of our troops, lost no time in 
pursuing them. Notwithstanding his surprise at the unexpected event, 
and the impediments to be surmounted, by nine o'clock the following morn- 
ing, one division of his army, after detaching two regiments to garrison the 
abandoned works, was on full march after the American main body. The 
other under his own immediate command had removed the chevaiix-de-f rise 
(bridge, boom and chain, which cost our people such immense labor) placed 
between l^orts Ticonderoga and Independence to delay him, and in his 
frigate, the Royal George, with his flotilla, was soon in full chase, with a 
favoring breeze after Col. Long. 

At 5 o'clock the ensuing morning, July 6th, one-half of the division in 
pursuit of our main body, under command of Brigadier Gen. Frazer, by 
a forced march came up with our rear guard at Hubbardton, as it was 
parading to continue the retreat. An obstinate and bloody action ensued, 
in which victory was for a time doubtful; but the timely arrival of jNIajor 
Gen. Kiedesel with his Brunswickers and Hessians (furnished to King 
George III by the Duke of Brunswick and Prince of Hes.se), decided it 
against the Continental troops. Our loss was estimated at about 300 in 
killed, wounded and missing ; among the first was Col. Francis " who fell 
with other valuable officers while bravely fighting with distinguished 
gallantry. ihc loss of the l^ritish and their allies was much greater. 
Alter this afiair, our main body continued its retreat unmolestedly by a 



Leqact of Historical Gleanings. 61 

clrcultious route, and joined Gen. Schuyler at Fort Edward. Col, Long 
reached the rapids of Wood creek, on the .succeeding al'ternoon from 
leavini; Ticomlero^a, and iininodiatoly commenced unlading his vesseLs, 
and dispatched the cargo round the portage. While thun occupied, he 
perceivofl the lirili.sh frii:ates and gun boat.s hearing down upon him, 
their errand was easily divined, but the gallant Long determined to balk 
them if possible. An e.xpres^j wa.s .'•ent to Col. Henry K. \'an Ileusselaer, 
at Fort Ann, for assistance. The stores, as fast they could be sent tm 
shore, were transferred on snuiller boats and sent up the creek, while 
every measure was taken to facilitate the escape of the valuable stores and 
to retard the advancing foe. As soon as he was near enough, such a tre- 
mendous lire W!i8 opened upon him from the fort at Skenesborough (now 
Whitehall), that " the (Jeneral (IJurgoyne) thought proper to return and 
land his army at South bay." At this time Col. liong. perceiving a 
mananivre calculated to cut off his retreat, and knowing his inability to 
keoj) this overwhelming force in check, set fire to the fort, mills, store- 
houses and bateau.x, together with the bulk of the baggage and stores, to 
prevent their falling into Hurgoyne's hands, and followed after his loaded 
l)oats. toward Fort .\nn, destroying in his course every bri<lge and felling 
trees in the road to impeile the jirogress of the enemy, or at least to render 
the transportation of ordnance impracticable. We experienced no loss of 
men on tijis ycciision. though it is taken for granted, from the more ex- 
posed situation of the enemy that tljcy must have suflered severely. 
Lieut. Col. Hill with the lUh Regiment was dispatched after Col. Long, 
while the other IJritish regiments were sent in separate detachments 
about the country to incrca.se the panic already occasioned by the loss of 
Ticonderoga and by the defeat of Cols. Francis and Warner, at Ilubbard- 
ton. Col. Long was couvscious that the panic had even seized his own 
troops and that therefore an action with his pursuers was impolitic even 
with cfjual forces; but with his inferior number and order of troops a 
defeat was morally certain. Yet the vital importance of the stores, in his 
charge, to the army — consef|uently to the independence of his cttuntry — 
was so great that he nobly resolved if overtaken to contend to the very 
la.st. 

The express reached Col. \iiu Kens-selaer in the night, and lie promptly 
signified his intention of complyiui; with Col Long's request for a.ssistanee, 
when every .soldier in his command volunteered to accompany him. They 
set out at day break on July 8, 1777, but had not proceeded far "ere the 
loud din of war" was heard in the distance and warned them of the brave 
Long's jeopardy. With redoubled .speed the patriotic corps pushed their 
march and were soon convinced by the increasing roar of fire iirms, and 
by the occasional whiz of a bullet that they were near the scene of battle. 
A moment's halt then satisfied Col. Van Uen.sselaer of the relative position 
of the contending parties and of his eli-ible jxiint of attack against the 
now jirevailing enemy. The site he selected was on the left of Col. Long, 
where the foe stood thickest. The galling fire he threw among them 
thinned their ranks and compelled them, according to their own story, 
to think " it necessary to change their position in the very height 
of action." They were beaten, actually beaten oflf the field, and 
continued to fall back a.s long as it was thought expedient to press them, 
but for the lack of ammunition this 9th lloyal Regiment would have been 
annihil ited. "The enemy being almost surrounded, were on the point of 
surrendering, wheu our ammuuiliou being expended, and a party of In- 



62 • Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

dians arriving and setting up the war-whoop, this being followed by three 
cheers from the English, the Americans were induced to give way and 
retreat." As it was; our chief object was obtained, the timely and vigor- 
ous onset of Col. Van Rensselaer enabled Col. Long to move off with his 
invalids and part of the baggage which were subsequently delivered over 
to Gen. Schuyler at Fort Edward. " Our army was in very deplorable 
circumstances, actually deficient in ammunition" and every necessary 
article to render it efficient against the veteran and well supplied invaders. 
The following extract of a letter from the secretary of Gen. Schuyler, 
written about this time, proves the want of one of the indispensable 
articles in our army, viz. bullets, and even of the material to make them. 
It also aifords»a criterion to estimate the value of Colonel Long's charge, 
as that was one of the principal items among the articles saved from the 
conflagration and enemy's hand : 

" The citizens of Albany only can supply our immediate exigencies ; 
recourse must therefore be had to the committee, begging their interposi- 
tion to collect such lead as is in the city : the lead from windows and 
weights may perhaps afford a supply for the present. As soon as it is 
collected, Mr. Rensselaer [Philip Van Kensselaer Esq. commissary of 
military stores and member of the Commitee of Safety, the father of Mrs. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, and proprietor of the old Cherry Hill estate 
near the city of Albany] will have it made into ball, and send it up 
without a moment's delay. Should a wagon be sent off with one box, as 
soon as it is ready it must be pushed oft"; also all the buck shot. 

" By order of Major general Schuyler, 

" J. Lansing, Jun., Secretary." 

Mr. Lansing was afterwards chancellor of the state of New York. It 
may be gratifying to learn that this requisition was in every particular 
complied with ; lead was taken from the windows and shops at Albany 
and soon moulded into bullets. The contributions from our patriotic an- 
cestors in lead, and pewter mugs, cups, teapots and platters, not only 
enabled the commissary to answer the call for the then " immediate em- 
ergencies" but to supply a few extra balls for the equipment of some of 
the crowd, then constantly flocking for the defense of their country's 
liberty and rights. During the most severe part of the conflict, on July 
8th " near the narrow pass between some high rocks and the river " in close 
proximity to the old Fort Ann, Colonel Van Rensselaer in following up 
the advantage he had gained over the enemy was desperately wounded, 
the effects of which he severely felt through the remainder of his life. 
He received a musket-ball in his leg as he was in the act of stepping over 
a fallen tree. The ball entered his thigh, broke the bone and glanced up 
to the hip joint where it lodged and remained for nearly forty years in 
his person and could not be traced till after his death. It was then ex- 
tracted, and found flattened out to the diameter of near an inch, by striking 
the thigh bone ; it was almost entirely covered with a white ossified sub- 
stance. This bullet is still a relic of 1777 in possession of our family. 
Such a fearful wound, of course, put a stop to his further personal parti- 
cipation in the fight, and threw him on his back behind the mouldering 
log. Nothwithstauding the agony he suffered now, his country was still 
uppermost in his thoughts, and perceiving the consternation of the men 
round him at his fall he called out: " Don't mind me, my brave fellows, 
leave me and charge the enemy, Charge ! charge ! I saj." The soldier's 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. G3 

manJatc was obeyed, and f«ir two full hours, without a leader, did these 
ill-li)uii(l and uudiscipliiud ycoiimury, of five hundred men who were en- 
tirely uiu.stercd on the Van Uensselaer manor, maintain their advantaj,'c 
over wtinie of the finest troops of Cireat Britain. The stand taken by tlit-uj 
held IJur^^iiyne in cheek an entire day, and enabled (jJen. Schuyler to re- 
move artillery and stores from Fort (leorj^e, strenjithen his pa^ition on 
Ik-mis's heights, and gain invaluable time. This memorable action has 
never occupied the place in the hist«iry of that war which its importance 
entitles it to. It occurred a short time previous to the great battle which 
resulted in the defeat and surrender of JJurgoyiie, on the heights of Sara- 
to<'a, and was swallowetl up and forgotten in the superior brilliance and 
importance of that decisive conflict. It was maintained for an entire day 
by a force of about lOOU men against an advancetl brigade of IJurgoyue'a 
army, and was a series of desperate and bloody skirmishes. Fort Ann 
in Washington county was, indeed, an honored field for the preliminary 
skinnislies and engagements between the contending armies before the 
final yielding. It was fought by order of General Schuyler who felt the 
importance of checking the enemy's advance at that point and gave direc- 
tions to defend Fort Ann. There were large supplies intended i'ur our 
army at Ticonderoga and Fort George, where tl.cy had been detained in 
conse(|Uencc of hearing of the investment by land and water of our works 
on Lake Champlain ; and to favor the design of the detachment of wagons, 
iS:c., sent to remove those supplies back to Fort Edward, Gen. Schuyler 
despatched Col. Henry K. Van Rensselaer to Fort Ann to collect militia 
and oppose the Hritish who were in pursuit of Col. Long's scattered com- 
mand. It was in conse(juence of this, that the battle with the Uth llegi- 
ment under Col. Hill took place. 

Tlie action on the Sth was a very close and severe engagement with 
a very une(|ual force, the Americans mado an honorable defense and 
finally a secure retreat, though not till alter the ammunition gave out. 
l>ut it nearly cost the brave Xan Kensselaer his life; so close and despe- 
rate was the encounter that he lay many hours after he fell, within hear- 
ini: of the groans of Col. Armstrong of the I?ritish army, who was also 
badly injured. Many of the wounded enemy were left to our mercy, 
among whom was " Capt. Montgomery (brother-in-law to Lord Townsend), 
of Hill's regiment, a very gallant ofiieer, who was severely wounded early 
in the action, and taken ])risoner with the surgeon, as he was dressing his 
Wound, which hap[iened as the regiment was changing its position." 
This extract from an Knglish work {Lintt. AuLiiri/s I'ravds through the 
interior of America in a series of letters by an officer'), is substantially 
the same as that of Gen. Hurgoyne upon the same subject, and may be 
considered as an indirect admission by the enemy of their discomfiture. 
IJut as it was the first check their hitherto resistless progress had met 
with, they were loath to acknowledge it in plainer terms, and the subse- 
i|uent retreat of our men to Fort Edward, where Gen. Schuyler held his 
head (juarters, gave them an apology for a claim to victory. The ftdlow- 
ing extract of the examination of Captain Mooney, depy. quarter nuustcr 
of the British army, before the committee of the house of commons to 
investigate the causes of Gen. Burgoyne's failure, indicates the real 
opinion of the English officers in relation to the conduct of our men on 
this occasion : Question. " Was you present at the action of the I'Jth of 
September'!!'" Ans. '' I was." Question. "Did the enemy dispute the 
field that day with obstinacy?" Ans. " They did, and the fire wa.s much 



64 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

heavier than I ever saw it any where unless at the affair of Fort Ann." 
Gen. Burgoyne previous to leaving England " had vauntingly declared in 
the British parliameut that his army (which had one of the best trains of 
artillery ever seen in America) should be led by him from Maine to 
Georgia, and that he would make an easy conquest of the whole colony of 
New York." The gallant leader at Fort Ann refused every proffer of 
assistance after receiving his wound, and persisted in the advance of all 
his men after the retiring foe. In consequence he was soon left alone ; 
but his anxiety to calculate the result of the onset, induced him ever and 
anon to brave the pangs of a movement to overlook the obstructing log. 
When satisfied by the still receding noise of contention, he sought again 
his more comfortable position on the level earth. At the expiration of 
those seemingly unending hours, the noise was but indistinctly heard afar 
off, when the sound of approaching footsteps among the rustling leaves, 
drew him once more to a reconnoitering attitude, and he found it occa- 
sioned by a young rustic, whose soiled garments, together with sundry 
circular impressions upon his lips, evidently made from a foul gun barrel, 
proclaimed him late from the scene of action. Whether his prowess had 
been exerted in favor of king or rebel was not known to the colonel. 
To ascertain it he hailed him. "Who comes there?" ".Holloa!" 
ejaculated the startled youth, and catching a glimpse of the head from 
which the unexpected demand had issued, and of the fusee in the act of 
being levelled at him over the log, he quickly made an oblique spring and 
was safely ensconced behind the projecting trunk of a neighboring tree. 
Here the instinctive operation of loading his piece was speedily performed, 
when feeling and expressing himself " on a footing " with his supposed 
antagonist he declared himself " a continental soldier," and asked " who 
the devil are you ? " "I am Colonel Van Rensselaer," was the reply, 
upon which the brave fellow left his hiding place and soon collected a few 
of his comrades with whose assistance he bore the drooping cripple to 
fort. In his latter days, the colonel often mentioned the manly conduct 
of this soldier with pleasure. At Fort Ann, Col. V. R's wound was 
hastily dressed, and as the evacuation of the post was decided upon, he 
was again raised upon the shoulders of his devoted men and borne fifteen 
miles to Fort Edward, from whence he was put on a boat, with Capt. 
Montgomery and another prisoner of war, and floated down to Albany. 
He was too ill to be taken to his residence at Greenbush, so both the 
wounded officers in the same dwelling submitted the task of healing their 
wounds to the skillful hands of Dr. Samuel Stringer (surgeon general of 
the forces under Gen. Schuyler and a man of great eminence in the medi- 
cal profession, and ranked among the first practitioners of his day, who 
died in 1818), That of Capt Montgomery assumed a favorable aspect, 
and maugre his boding prediction, that our "sharp shooters had ruined 
his d — d fine legs," he was soon in condition to accept the invitation from 
his kinsman's relict (the widow of General Richard Montgomery) and 
left the city to pay her a visit at Rhiuebeck on the Hudson river. The 
citizens of Albany were in momentary expectation of Burgoyne's ap- 
proach ; all who could leave, fled from the city. Colonel Van Rensse- 
laer's younger brother, Philip, commissary of military stores, kept ai 
sloop at the dock, prepared to remove his suffering relative at the slightest 
alarm. The colonel's ease long bid defiance to all the arts of surgery. 
The position of the ball rendered its extraction impossible without a 
manifest danger to his life, and the fragments of clothing which had 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. G5 

been forceil in wifh it, kopt it a sore filleil with raa<(}^ot9 as the woiinil 
was in a most rmuseourfstato. Ifowever, what with unreiiiittinij care ami a 
ruf^L^cd constitution, he surinountcMl in a iiit.'asurij the ilanf^ur, thou^jh lie 
was not a^'ain in conilitiori for active military iluty while the war lasted. 
In his subseijuent life ho was often called hy the sulTra^'es of his fellow 
citizens to represent tlifm in the state legislature, and to fill several other 
responsible offices ; hut lie always suffered in')re or less from the effects of 
his wound. Several tinu!s it broke out in .all its pristine offensivene.ss 
and on September 9, 1810, eventually bore him to his L^rave at the aire of 
72 years. 

Fierce indi^^nation was aroused in every true heart, at the murder of 
Jane McCrea at Fort Fdward on July 'J7, 1777. The youni; lidy wa.s 
cnj;aLred to a ycmni; officer, David .Tones, in Buri;r»yno's army. She was 
killed and sealpe<l by a party of Indians and when they arrived at the 
IJritish camp the lon;^. trlo.s.sy hair of Jenny was immediately recognized. 
She was then about twenty years old, and a lovely ^irl." 

The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, without 
efforts at defense, occasioned the <;reatest surprise and alarm ; it w:ls loudly 
comleinned throut^hout the country, ami brou;^lit d'uvn a storm of indii^nant 
abuse upon the (Jenorals St. Clair and Schuyler, for much oft'ie respons- 
ibility was laid upon the latter, bec:iu>ic he wis the commander-in-chief of 
the northern department. This disaster i^ave to our cause a dark and 
gloomy aspect. A ridiculous story was in lustriou-tly reported and re- 
ceived too much credence, that (jenerals Schuyler and St. Clair acte 1 the 
part of traitors to their country, and that they were paid for their treason 
by the enemy in silvir bul/s, shot from IJurj;oyne's j;uns into our camp, 
and that they were collected by order of General St Clair, and divided 
between him and (Jeneral Schuyler, (leneral Washini!;ton was perplexed, 
and conirress suspended St. Clair from command, and appointed adjutant- 
general Gates to supersede General Schuyler. The .Vlb inians were seized 
with a panic, the people ran about as if distracted, and sent off their goods 
and furniture. The actions of the 19th of September and October 7, 
1777, are well known to have been decisive of the fate of (jrcn. IJurgoyne's 
proud army. The latter took place at Hemis's heights, between Stillwater 
and Saratoga. It is supposed to be the hardest fought battle, and the most 
honorable to our army since the commencement of hostilities. The enemy 
was completely repulsed in every quarter,; then the brave (ien. Frazer 
fell as also many other officers of high standing. {}cn Frazer was carried 
to the quarters of Baroness iliedesel who was expecting guests to dinner. 
Hefore his death, he requested, if General Burgoyiie would permit it, 
he should like to be buried at <) o'clock in the evening on the top of a 
uiountain, in a great redoul»t whiidi had been built there. About sunset 
the corpse was carried up the hill by the offioers of his own corps and 
passed in view of both armies. (Jenerals Murgoyne, Phillips and Iliedesel 
placed themselves in the humble procession According to the statement 
of the adjutant general, ('ol. Kingston, before the committee above men- 
tiohcil. the loss of the liOtli, 2Stli, and (I^il regiments alone was 5'H) or 
more, out of 1 lUU men who marched into the bloody 6eld. The G2d suffered 
more than any other, it brought off only 50 or 60 effective men out of 
about 340. Yet Capt. .Money who was actively engaged in the action of 
Fort .Vrin and Uemis's hcight,s declares that the former was the more severe 
of the t',v ). It proved, at all event- of a mist beiii^fuMal teudtMicv to our 

'J 



66 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

cause. The illusion of the invincibleness of our invaders was dissipated. 
Panic gave way to confidence, and every succeeding battle in the North 
strengthened it to such a degree that the vaunting Burgoyne was event- 
ually compelled to yield to its effects on the fields .of Saratoga. The 
battle of Saratoga is universally acknowledged to have been one of the 
seven great decisive battles in the history of the world. The defeat of 
Burgoyne settled the question -of the existence of this republic. The 
result of the revolutionary war depended upon that day, and that day 
was won by the valor of the Continental army. That field belonged to 
the whole nation, we all gloried in it ; here the British lion got down 
on his knees before the American eagle. Gen. Burgoyne died Aug. 4, 
1792. The following anecdote was told by Jacob Van Alstyne, who was 
at the taking of Burgoyne. He was then adjutant of a regiment of 
Rensselaer county militia, under Col. Stephen J. Schuyler. Lieut. Col. 
Henry K. Yan Rensselaer acted in the two-fold capacity of adjutant and 
quarter-master. Col. Schuyler was a brother of Gen. Philip Schuyler, 
and having the oldest commi-ssion among the colonels on that station, he 
acted as brigadier general in the latter part of the'campaign. A German, 
named John Tillman, a portly gentleman who resided at Albany after the 
war, acted as German interpreter for General Gates, and was requested 
by the latter to select a proper person to go into the British camp as a 
spy ^ the object of whose mission was to circulate letters among the Hes- 
sian soldiers, to induce them to desert, and to bring on an engagement ia 
such a manner as Gates desired. Tillman selected Christopher Fisher, a 
private in Col. Schuyler's regiment, a shrewd fellow and always ready 
with an answer to any question that might be asked him ; he was a witty 
man, true as steel. Never at a loss for a reply, be it question, fun, or 
joke, his flashes back would come with jolly good cheer, for he was brim- 
ful of good nature and well educated. Fisher being well acquainted with 
Van Alstyne, visited him to ask his advice in the hazardous undertaking, 
naming the reward offered. The latter told him what the consequence 
would be if he was detected, but declined giving counseU ' Well,' said 
Fisher, ' if you will not advise me how to proceed, then I must act on my 
own judgment ;' so saying, he took his leave of Van Alstyoe, who thought 
but little more of the matter until after the battle. While in his tent after 
the engagement, Fisher entered and showed him a purse of gold and his 
discharge from the service. Van Alstyne then desired to know how he 
had proceeded. Fisher stated that on the day appointed, he approached 
the enemy's picket with a sheep upon his back, which had been killed for 
the occasion. He was hailed by the guard, who demanded of him his 
residence and the object of his visit. Fisher replied, that he lived a few 
miles back in the country, ' that the d — d Yankees had destroyed all his 
property but one sheep, which" he had killed, and was then taking to his 
friends.' On hearing this replyj. the sentinel treated him kindly, and de- 
livered him over to an officer with a favorable report. In the British 
camp, he was asked by a superior officer, what proof he could give that 
he was not deceiving. Said Fisher, ' the rcLels are preparing to give you 
battle, and if you will go with me, 1 will convince you of its truth.' The 
officer followed Fisher to a certain place, from which was visible a wood. 
Here had been stationed, agreeable to the order of Gen, Gates, a body of 
Col. Morgan's rifle corps, wh.^ were to exhibit themselves in a stealthy 
manner. The riflemen wore fr'tcks and were easily distinguished, ' There, 
there,' says Fisher, ' don't you see them devils of Morgan's dodging about 



Legacy op IIistorical Gleaninqs. G7 

araon^ the trees ?' And sure enough, as fast as the spy directed his visioa 
the liritish officer could see the tuovin;^ frocks of the American riflemen. 
When ur;,'od to enlist into the British service, Fisher pretended an aver- 
sion to war, pleading also the neeessit)' of returning huuie to protect his 
family against the rr/n/s. He was allowed to leave the camp when ho 
chose, and embraced the opportunity while the armies were engaged. IIo 
was, however, admitted into coinmuuion as a genuine royalist, and being 
allowed to minL,'lo for several hours with tho.so who spoke German, ho 
discharged the duties of his perilous mission to the satisfaction of General 
(Jates. A party of liritish troops were sent to dislodge the riflemen 
pointed out by Fisher, a general engagement followed with success to the 
Americans. The spy executed faithfully the principal object of his 
Iiazardous enterprise, and many of those Hessian soldiers deserted the 
liritish service in that campaign, and either entered the American service, 
or became good citizens of New York. Mr. Van Alstyne died in May 
1844, aged nearly ninety-five years." . 

The interview between Gen. (lates and Gen. Hurgoyne, on the field of 
surrender, was very interesting when, in the presence of the two armies, 
IJurgoyne drew his sword and presented it to General Gates. Not 
wishing to aggravate the painful feelings of tlje royal troops Gen. Gates 
Would not permit the American soldiery to witness the degrading act of 
piling their arms and artillery at the place assigned, at the command of 
their own officers. As this was completed the Hrilish army filed off and 
took up their line of march for Boston to embark for England. The sur- 
render took place near the spot where the elegant country .seat of General 
Schuyler ha»l been so wantonly demolished. iJarouess lliedesel with 
her three children were politely accommodated in his own tent, and in- 
vited by Gen. Schuyler to become his guests at his residence at Albany. 
When Col. Nicholas Van Reussoluer (who was de|)Uted to convey the 
official intelligence of '• the surrender of Hurgoyne to Gen. Gates, which 
took place after the other British enterprises in New York had proved 
abortive") reached Albany, he iound the inhabitants were waiting 
with intense anxiety the fate of the battle (having chattels packed and 
they ready for an exodus). As his horse constantly felt the prick of 
the spurs he went flying throutih the city, while the brave officer cried 
aloud the cheering words " liunjoi/ne is tdhi n ami ice arc. victurioiis." 
The scene was an enthusiastic one ; the peo[)le flocking in throngs, almost 
drawing him from the horse's back eager to hear a confirmation of the 
glorious news, it diffused joy and gladness not only there, but throughout 
the union. In Albany the event was celebrated with much display. 
An ox was roiusted whole for the occasion. A pole passing through it 
and resting on crotches served as a spit, while a pair of cart-wheels at the 
ends of the pole were used to turn it. A hole was dug in the ground, in 
which, beneath the ox, a fire was made. While cooking, several pails of 
salt-water were at haml, to be applied with swabs to keep the moat from 
burning. When roasted it was drawn through the principal streets, 
and the patriotic secured a good slice. A constant roar of artillery was 
kept up during the day. 

" The apcil met witli joy of luiart. 

The youthful met witli yleo ; 
While littli- chiklri-n jilaye*! their part, 

The liuppifst of the three." 



68 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" In the eveninp; almost every dwelling in the city was illuminated. 
A large pyramid of pine fagots which had been collected for the occasion, 
in the centre of which stood a liberty-pole supporting on its top a barrel 
of tar, was set on fire on Pinkster hill, whereon the state capitol now 
reposes, near the city early in the evening. When the fire reached the 
tar, it not only illuminated every part of the city, but sent its ominous 
light for many miles around, presenting a most imposing efi"ect. The 
capture of Burgoyue and his army inspired Americans with confidence as 
to their final triumph." In the severe battle of the 7th of October, Gen. 
Burgoyne himself, had a hair-breadth escape, having one bullet pass 
through his hat and another tore his waistcoat. At one time a part of 
General Gates 's army was exposed to imminent danger. "He had re- 
ceived what he supposed to be certain intelligence that the main body of 
Burgoyne's army had marched oif for Fort Edward, and that a rear guard 
only was left in the camp. On this it was concluded to advance and 
attack the camp in half an hour ; unknown to the Americans, Burgoyne 
had a line formed behind a parcel of brushwood to support the post of 
artillery where the attack was to be made. A British soldier, a deserter, 
communicated the very important fact, that the whole British army were 
in their encampment. Gei. Wilkinson too, discovered the British at their 
post, through a thick fog while his horse halted to drink in fording the 
creek, and he instantly arrested the march of our troops. The intelligence 
was conveyed to General Gates, who countermanded his orders for the 
assault, and called back his troops and thereby saved them from destruc- 
tion, but they sustained some loss from the British artillery. It is known 
that Burgoyne has frequently expressed his extreme disappointment that 
he was baflHed in this stratagem, and Americans should be most thankful." 

" Fort Edward, in Camp 8th July 1777. 
" Received of Capt. Huyck 283 Bullets Received By me 

" John C. Ten Broeck, of the Continental Troops." 

In October, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton with the British fleet proceeded 
up the Hudson to Kingston intending to cut his way through and join 
Burgoyne at Saratoga, which fortunately was frustrated by Burgoyne's 
surrender. While at Kingston or Esopus he demolished the place and 
burnt almost every house ; among which was the fine family residence, 
dear Hattie, of your paternal grandfather, Peter E. Elmendorf, then a lad 
of 12 years. 

" Saratoga 19 April 1777. 

*' Rec' from Mr John Joans Fifteen Hundred & fifteen Oars for the 
Service of the United States of America. 

"Eph"! Van Veghten Asst. D.Q. M. General." 

John Tyson to Governor Leicis. 

Peekskill, April 23rd 1777. 

Sir : The Bearer Mr. Israel Levano has 15 Cwt. of Round Shot, sent 

here by Order of General Knox of the Artillery, & by his desire forwarded 

to Albany. As we don't know who is the Commissary of Ordnance with 

you, have addressed it to you & beg you will put it in the proper Channel. 

On behalf of W. Hughs I). Q. M. j q. ^ vii o . 
° ^ 1 am Sir Your hble Servt. 

Morgan Lewis, Esq. Jno. Tyson. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 69 

Itivoifo of Ordnance Stores Sent to Albany to bo from there for- 
warded With all [Mi-sib!c Dispatch to the Hon'"*^ Maj' (jen' Schuvler July 
loth. I'lth, it lOtli lor the Sundry Teamsters as pr Duplicate lleceipts 
for 1777. viz: [The list was too long to be of benefit in this book] 

Stillwater Au<;ust 6th 1777. 
llcccivcd into the Public Store of Captain Conrod ('line of (.'oluuel 
Livingstons llegimont of Militia 4 muskets iV ;'> Cartritlu'e Hoxes. 

Jusp'« Maud •^ (jiidley, Conduct. 

TeuuM T' Van Vcchtin to Philip Van ItenMelacr. 

mj. . Albany Sept' 12th 1777. 

I)eliver the IJearer fifty I?ushels of peas, for the use of General 

Scliuvlcr's Kaiiiilv. i> i p n ^ a u \ 

IJy order oi denl. Schuyler. 

John Lansing Juu Secy. 

Please to deliver the above. , 

TuENis T* Van YKcnrEN AD Q.M. Gen' 

To tho D. Quarter Master General ."NIr Philip \'an Ueiisselaer. 

In Au;:ust 1777 C(d. Peter Wa;:oncr, of the county of Montgomery, 
held a command under (Jen. Herkimer and Col. Frederick Visscher in 
the battle lor the reliei' of Fort Stanwix. Aller the first detachment of 
our militia were checked and their commander severely wounded, it was 
found necessary to chaniro the plan of action. Accordingly our forces were 
ordered to fall back and to form a circle (ficnfid by a deep bushy ravine, 
to prevent the savages from taking advantage of the foggy weather to attack 
them in the rear. The garrison of the fort, by a previous understanding, 
were to have sallied out, and to have thereby created a diversion in favor 
of the relieving party upon hearing the first shot, but the distance from 
the fort, of the action, rendered it impossible for the garrison to hear the 
firing and the enemy rightly supposing that Gen. Herkimer's object was 
to relieve the fort, sent a detachment round to our rear who in coming 
up towards Col. Wagoner, pretended that they actually were the garrison 
relieved and continued cheering the colonel's men. The colonel ihccind 
by their cries stepping out of his ranks to greet his supposed friends, 
was .seized by them and undtrria'd in finding himself drawn a prisoner 
within their three-fold lines ; but nothing daunted by his dangerous situa- 
tion, he called out to his men in German, his mother tongue : " It is the 
enemy, boys, don't mind me, but fire like thunder." The order was 
promptly obeyed and the enemy, seeing their design frustrated by the 
determination of their pri.soner and seeing their first three officers. Major 
AVatts, (.^apt. Hare killed, and Lieut. Shingloton wounded, they turned 
an<l fled without firing a gun. The gallant Wagoner not only escaped 
the fire of his own men, but escaped from his captors, who made no other 
attempt after but soon retreated. Their camp, baggage, provisions, with 
five colors were taken hy Lieut (^ol. Willett with a party of 2(t() from the 
fort, who had accident.ally discovered through their spies the defenceless 
state of the enemy's camp. Shinglcton was severely wounded and carried 
to SctienecUidy where he remained many months upon parole, but when 
sullieiently recovered, he broke that and ran off with sonje tories. Major 
Watts was wounded through the leg by a ball, an«l in the neck hy a thrust 
from a bayonet which pasiicd through back of the windpipe and occasioned 



70 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

such an effusion of blood as to induce not only him, but his captors to 
suppose (after leading him two or three miles) that he must die in conse- 
quence. He begged his captors to kill him, they refused and left him 
by the side of a stream under the shade of a bridge, where he was found 
two days subsequently covered with fly-blows, but still alive. He was 
, borne by some Indians to Schenectady where he remained until sufficiently 
recovered to endure a voyage to England, where he* was often after seen 
limping about Chelsea hospital. The sash taken from him is still in pos- 
session of the Sanders family. It was about this time that Col. Wemple 
of Schenectady having ascertained that a large force of refugees and tories 
had collected at Beaver dam, for the purpose of destroying Albany or 
Schenectady in the absence of the militia who had been sent off to relieve 
Fort Stanwix, collected the exempts, seventy in number, and a body 
of New England troops forty strong, and falling upon them by surprise 
effectually routed and dispersed them though tlaeir force, to his, was as 
four to one. Another time a similar band, who had long been a terror to 
the inhabitants by their reckless depredation and marajading propensities, 
after robbing the taverns and other dwellings on the turnpike between 
Albany and Schenectady, drank such a large quantity of liquor at the 
half-way house, that they were compelled to retire into the pine bushes, 
a short distance, where after stationing a sentry they fell asleep. One of 
the inmates of the tavern escaped from the window destitute of clothing, 
save his shirt, carried the word to Dorp, when the .good burgers with 
patriotic ardor traced the plunderers by their tracks in the sand. The 
plunder was all recovered and the marauders most severely punished. 
" The object of the expedition was far from being accomplished by St. 
Leaer, notwithstanding General Herkimer fell into the ambuscade, and 
soon after died of his wounds. The commander did not, however, despair 
of getting possession of Fort Stanwix ; for this purpose he sent in a flag 
demanding a surrender. Colonel Gansevoort nobly replied in the negative, 
being determined to defend the fort at every hazard. Aware, however, 
of his perilous situation he found means of sending to General Schuyler 
at Stillwater for assistance. General Arnold was now dispatched with a 
brigade of troops to attack the besiegers. On his way he captured a 
notorious tory spy, Han Yost Schuyler, whom he sentenced to be hung. 
The friends of the tory applied to Arnold to spare his life. He was in- 
exorable, but was prevailed upon by Major Brooks to use the tory for 
their advantage. If he failed in the plan proposed, his brother, who had 
consented to remain as a hostage, was to ' grace the same noose which 
had been prepared for Han Yost.' The life of his brother held Han 
Yost true to his pledge. Several of the Oneida Indians of his acquain- 
tance, fell in with and readily engaged in furthering his design. Han 
Yost was acquainted with many of St. Leger's Indians, and on arriving 
at their camp told a sad story of his capture and escape. When asked 
as to the number of men Arnold had, he shook his head mysteriously 
and pointed to the leaves of the trees. Soon one of the Oneidas in the 
secret arrived, presently another dropping into the camp as if by accident 
spoke of the great numbers of warriors marching against them. Alarm 
and consternation pervaded the whole body and they resolved cm imme- 
diate flight. The Oneida Indian had a- spice of the wag in his composi- 
tion, for he followed in the rear and occasionally raised the cry. ' Thei/ 
are coming ! they are coming ! ' Han Yost soon gave General Gansevoort 
the intelligence of the approach of Gen. Arnold's command and all were 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 71 

paved. Col. Willett bad an elegant sword given to him by Conirress for 
bis gallant acts." 

Danitl link to Philip Van Rfiiaelafr. 

Dear Sir. Fish Kill. 4 November, 1778. 

]Jy the acponnt.s daily Circulating from New Vork there is <:reat Flx- 
poctations of the Enemy leaving the City. I cannot Say that 1 am fully 
Convinced it will take place but there is a probability of it. 

" You will please to think of the two pair of Pistols you was Kind 
Enough to promise nie fur myself ami Colo. Ilay, who has re<juested of me 
to write to you to know whether that business was deterniineil on which 
you mentioned to him :is the Sea.'ion advances and what that (ientleman's 
opinion was, or now is. whom you was to Consult. 

I am I)ear Sir, with Esteem, Y-our friend & Servt. 

DUT T T> 1 r r>- Half.. 

J hilip Van Rensselaer, hsq. 

April 12, 1779, Philip \mi Konsselacr to William Sheldon. 

Dr. 
To 4 waggons & horses coming from Sheffield to Green IJush 
ferry to remove the public Stores from Albany to a place of 

Safety each 4 days at 12a-. pr. day, .4'9: 12: 0: 

By order of Commanding Officer. 

Brandt Van Ilook To Philip Van Eenntflaer. 
Sir: Fi.*h Kill, May 21st. 1779. 

Inclosed you have an Invoice of Musket Ball to make up the Quantity 
Intended to be forwarded from this Fort to Albany. Col. Van Rensse- 
laer will be pleased to send a receipt for the same under cover of a few 
Lines to Jno. Ruddock. Ksq , by the first Opportunity which shall Occur. 
I am Sir, Your lluble Servt. ^3^^^^^ y^^ ^^^^^ ^ g ^.j^ 

*' Invoice of INIuskot B ill Sent to P. Van Rensselaer, Esq., Public 
Store Keeper at Albany by Order of General Knox (viz.): 

cwt. qr. lb. 

88 Boxes of New Musket Ball Weighing, 32: 1: 24: 

Tareol Boxes, '. 2: U: 4: 

Total Weight Gross, 30: 1: 20: 

The catastrophe at Lexington, April IS, 177.'S, was the grand impetus 
to every active measure taken throughout the country in the cause of in- 
dependence. Great zeal and military ardor was manifested by the meet- 
ing of companies of militia in every section to receive those lessons so 
necessary to enable them to resist successfully a well disciplined foe in the 
field of battle. The adherents of the King (Jeorge III. sought to break 
up such meetings. At Caughnawaga, Captain Frederick Visscher when 
in the act of exercising his company, saw Sir John Jolinson (son of Sir 
William Johnson), the king's magistrate came rattling on the parade 
ground with his guv C(|uipai:e and drive directly in front of the men 
where he stopped and demanded " JJy whose orders are these men assembled 
here?" The captain instantly replied. '• By mine." " Well, sir, I command 
you in the name of the king to disperse immediately." *' I will not disperse 
them, sir," was the undaunted reply. This so enraged the fiery knight 



72 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

that he drew his pistols, and leveling them at the captain, he declared 
that if he did not " disperse the d — d rebels, I will blow your brains out." 
The words were scarcely out of Sir John's mouth, before he saw one of 
the men bring over his gun and take deliberate aim at him. The ex- 
ample was followed by all the rest, when, not willing to risk the threatened 
consequence of shooting the captain. Sir John put up his pistols and rode 
out of the field muttering " curses upon the contumacious rebels." The 
spirit there developed caused him very shortly after to leave his ill-gotten 
possessions and to abandon such a dangerous neighborhood. Capt. 
Visscher's promotion after this was rapid, so was that of every officer of 
merit in tho.se times. The panic occasioned among our exposed frontier 
inhabitants subsequently, in consequence of Grea. Burgoyne's signal suc- 
cess from Canada at the beginning of his expedition, together with a well 
founded apprehension of an attack from his ferocious Indian allies, induced 
many to send their families to a place of better security than that afforded 
by their own dwellings. Others, from whatever cause, more dilatory than 
the rest, were destined to quaff deeply from that bitter cup of affliction so 
incidental to barbarian warfare. The recollections of some such instances 
weighed upon the hearts of the few surviving participators like an incubus, 
and their narrations were truly well calculated to excite the most thrilling 
interest. Colonel Frederick Visscher, of Caughnawaga, was second in 
command of the expedition sent for the relief of Fort Stanwix (or Fort 
Schuyler where the village of Rome now stands), against St. Leger and 
Sir John Johnson. When the gallant but ill-fated Gen. Herkimer fell, 
the command devolved upon him, and the success with which he brought 
off the remnant of his force from that disastrous field proved him possessed 
of as much military talent as of energy.. Subsequently, having received 
tidings of the enemy's career, immediately dispatched his wife and children 
to Schenectady, and while occupied with arrangements for the removal 
of his mother and two sisters, his mansion was attacked in the night by 
about a dozen savages. They were greeted, however, with so warm a fire 
from the colonel and his two brothers, that they were obliged to retreat as 
suddenly as they had made the assault. At dawn of day they returned again 
with an overwhelming reinforcement and breaking through every barrier 
drove the family before them from room to room, and frojn floor to floor, 
until they reached the garret, where they closed with the gallant brothers. 
In the desperate struggle which then ensued the ladies made an attempt 
to escape down the darksome stairway. The mother being intercepted 
by an Indian was soon knocked down senseless w^th a heavy blow from the 
butt end of his fire-lock, while the two young ladies without hindrance 
gained the door yard. There one of them was seized by a" huge painted 
Indian" who after tearing the bouflet from hei head, and the shawl from 
her shoulders, uttered in a smothered tone the single word, marchez, 
and released her. Of course she required no further bidding, but thank- 
ful for the unexpected permission, bounded off and secreted herself in an 
oven near the dwelling. Her flying sister escaped to the willow shaded 
rivulet in the adjoining meadow, where concealed by the thick foliage, 
they shortly after, each from her respective hiding place, saw the savages 
issuing in a body from the house. A solitary one reentered immediately 
and alter a short interval returned to his companions, when all tramped 
off together in a north-easterly direction up the deep, rocky ravine, whicli 
not yet ceased to reverberate with their tremendous whoops of exultation 
when the sisters saw that the mansion was in flames, and then every rem- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 73 

nant of hope for the ezisteDOO of mother or brothers vanished from their 
busums. 

In the unequal conflict on the pirrot Col. Visscher fell under two 
severe tomahawk blows, and while lyini^ in a »t ilc of tur|>idity wa.s divested 
of liis scalp (The Intliaii mode of scalping their victims is this : with 
a knife they make a circular cut from tlio forhead, cjuite round, just 
al»ove the ears, then taking; hold of the skin witli their teeth, they tear off 
the whole hairy scalp in an instant, with woniK-rlul dexterity. This they 
carefully dry and preserve as a trophy.) Notwith.staiidiii<; the severity 
of his various wounds he became cjuiekly sensible aj^ain of his own pre- 
dicament and of the continued proximity of his enemies, and determined 
to deceive them with a semblance of that death which they supposed to 
have been inflicted upon him. At first he was successful and had the 
satisfaction of hearing them descend into the lower part of the house. 
Anxiety to ascertain the fate of his brothers induced him then to ri.se 
upon his elbow, but the sound of footsteps caused him once mt^rc to seek 
his former position. This motion owin;; to his feeble condition came 
near bein;; conducive to a fatal end. It had the eff^cet of exciting; such a 
lU'f^ree of nervous irritability that he had no further control over his 
frame, and the monster, who came to assure himself tliat the bloody work 
was complete attracted by the twitchinir, hastened to put a stop to it 
by cuttini; the sulferer's throat. For thus purpose he drew a knife twice 
across it, and seein;; the red bandanna, inward neckcloth, throu;,'h the 
.severed folds of the black ?^ilk outer one, lie went ofl' rejoicini; in the 
imaj^ined accomplishment of his infernal desij^n. The colonel, however, 
having received no other injury from this last attempt upon his life, than 
one or two unimportant flesh wounds, was soon aware, by the rocediu}; 
whoops, of the departure of the savages; and knowin<; by the increasing 
volumes of smoke that the hou.se was on fire, resolved to escape if possible. 
Rising up from his bed of gore he perceived one brother dead near to him, 
the other leaped from a window but was killed and scalped. To drag the 
corpse out ot the reach of the flames was a task of immense difliculty but 
he executed it, as also the rescue of his disabled but living mother ; but 
his incredible exertions and loss of blood caused him to taint. The chair, 
in which Mrs. \'isscher was seated, when drawn out the house was on tire, 
it was preserved as a sacred relic. The two murdered brothers, with Col. 
Visscher, his mother and two sisters, were taken in a boat to Schenectady, 
where the mother and the colonel were cventu.illy restored to health. 
Many years after this tragical event two of tlve identical Indians engaged 
in it, while traveling witli a party of warriors to Albany having under- 
stood that Col. Visseherh ad survived his wounds, would not believe it; 
one said he had both scalped and cut his throat; they wanted to see him. 
Col. Vi.sscher could with difficulty be re.strained, he wished to sacrifice 
the wretches. An intimation was given them of the intention and they 
wi.sely departed never to return to these scenes. Colonel Visscher was 
(in 1787) appointed by Gov. (ieorge Clinton first judge of Montgomery 
county, lie died June 9, 1800 Irom a complaint in the head caused by 
the lo.ss of his scalp. His widow, whose maiden name was Gazena Do 
Urafl", died in 1815. 

Herman Vis.schcr, son of Col. Frederick, was safe in vSchenectady with 
his mother at the time these terrific " scenes were enacted at the old re- 
sidence about three miles east of Fonda, ou the uorth side of aud near the 

10 



74 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Mohawk river, and close by where the New York Central rail road now 
runs." The faithful black slave who brought water in his hat from a 
creek for Col. Visscher and cairied the stricken household to Schenectady, 
had a handsome horse and his freedom given him by the grateful colonel. 
Gazena, daughter of Herman Visscher, had been adopted by her father's 
brother when quite young at the death of her parents. She was a valued 
schoolmate and companion of myself. I wag present at her marriage to 
Mr. Jesse De Graff of Schenectady, at the abode of her uncle, Mr. Visscher 
on the old site. The last surviving child, Alfred De Graff, lives in a 
brick dwelling where the old homestead once stood, which was rendered 
memorable by such thrilling and harrowing events in May, 1780. This 
farm and grounds " where the tomahawk and the torch did their sad work 
of death and destruction a century ago has been in the family to the fifth 
generation, over one hundred and twenty years." 

When on a visit to my mother's sister, Mrs. Jacob S. Glen, in Mont- 
gomery county, I often saw a venerable old lady, Aunty Putman, who 
would graphically narrate the perils from the Indians in her younger 
days. Harassed by perpetual alarms night and day, in constant fear of 
hostilities, and ever dreading the sight of the Indians in their grotesque 
paint and feathers, their encroachments kept all the whites in a state of 
terrible commotion, k-he well remembered when Col. John Johnson in 
1780 with a party of soldiers consisting of British, tories and Indians, 
made a raid through that country, killing, burning and pillaging ; she 
recalled how the men never neglected taking their guns to church, or the 
field, with them ; not daring to venture out to any distance for fear of au 
ambuscade ; constantly on the alert regarding the treachery of the Indians, 
or their creeping up stealthily to tomahawk some unfortunate individual 
who had ventured too far away from forts. Many a tale of suffering and 
privation she would most eloquently recount. This old lady was Margaret, 
sister of Col. Frederick Visscher j she had four husbands, the last one was 
Victor Putman ; she survived her husband many years, and died at old 
Caughnawaga. Her fears were awfully realized at last in 1780 on May 
20th at Tribes hill, part of Caughnawaga, when barns and houses were 
burnt and people scalped in the march of these savages and tories from 
Johnstown all along the valley of the Mohawk. The inhabitants, unsus- 
picious of danger, were buried in sleep at midnight when the Indians ap- 
proached in great numbers, entered the house of Capt. Garret Putman with 
horrid yells, intending to murder the entire family, but fortunately all were 
absent; the people occupying the house were killed; many of her own 
loved neighbors were instantly slain and scalped. About the same time 
her mother's house was assaulted, She was then a young girl living with 
her mother and sister llebecca together with two brothers, her brother 
Frederick's family being safe from all trouble in Schenectady, he was 
staying with them. After her wonderful escape from the Indian she 
secreted herself in a large Dutch oven, built a short distance from the 
house, where with the most indescribable agony she could hear the wild 
yells of demoniac triumph, and knew her own " loved ones" were the un- 
fortunate victims. 

" General Washington, while at Albany in the summer of 1782, was 
invited by the citizens to visit Schenectady (over-the-pines). He ac- 
cepted the invitation, and in company with Gen Schuyler, rode there in 
a carriage IVom Albany on the SOthof June; where he was received with 
no little formality by the civil and military authorities and escorted some 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 75 

distance by a numerous procession, in which ho walked with his hat under 
his arm. Abraham (^liiicli, who came to America as drum-major utnlcr 
(Jen. liraddock, tlien kept a tavern in SchcnccUidy ami at his house a pub- 
lie dinner was given, llavinj; previi.usly heard of his sii(Terin<,'s, one of 
the first persons Wa.shin'j;t()n in(|uired after was Colonel Frederick Visscher, 
who was then residing; in the plaeo. He ex|)ressed mueli surprise that the 
colonel had not been invited to meet him, and aj^reeable to his re<|uest a 
nie.s.seni;er was sent for him. He was a man of real merit, but modest 
and retirinij in his habits. On this occasion, he was found at work in his 
barn, which, under the circumstances, he left with reluctance, but was 
kindly greeted by the illustrious jruest who paid him marked attention. 
At the dinner table were assembled a respectable number of gentlemen 
among whom was (Jen. Schuyler. Washington assigned the seat next 
his own to Col. Visscher. This was indeed a proud day for Old Dnrp. 
While (Jen. Washington was walking a public street in company with a 
respectable citizen, an old negro when passing, took off his hat and boweil 
to him : the great commander immediately returned the compliment. 
The citizen expressed much surprise that his companion thus noticed 
this descendant of Ishmael, observing it was not the custom of the country 
to notiee slaves. ' 1 cminnt be l^sH cioil than a pnor nrjroj Was his minly 
reply as they proceeded (»nward." Washington was in Schenectady on 
three different occasions, the first was a flying visit near the commence- 
ment of the war, he staid with John Glen, (j. M. G. 

Cvrndiim Rity to Philip Van litiijt.itl'ter. 
p^,jp c;jj.. Philadelphia, Dec. 18th, 1780. 

Jieing apprehensive of not meeting with a private opportunity soon, I 
do myself the pleasure to pay my respects by the post; & inform you 
that the liills you entrusted to my Care were forwarded to Mr. James 
Cuming Merchant in Ij'Orient, first Hills by Ship Ann, Capt Josiah, 2nd 
by Hrig. Active, and .'id by Ship Shilaly, Capt. Holmes, exclusive of the 
Goods ordered by you for family's use. I ordered him to ship the over- 
phis in Hohea & Laval Jjinnens, but some arrivals having lately made Tea 
very plenty & cheap, I have this day desired my friend to ship you and 
me a larger quantity of Laval Linnens. Some China, some Steel and 
some pieces Nankeens if to bo procured. I suppose the Goods or some 
part of them will be out early in the Spring, any further directions you 
n)ay please to send respecting them, shall be punctually complied with. 
I have had one snjall arrival from Amsterdam and one from L'Orient. 
I Mease to make my best respects to your good family and believe mo with 
Esteem l>ear Sir, Yi)ur most Obedt. Servt, 

Cornelius Ray. 

V. S. You may get Insurance made at 25 or 30 pr. Ct. 
riiilip Van Kensselaer, Esq., Albany. 

The late war, which brought about our separation from Great IJritain, 
threw our commercial affairs in great confusion. Through want of power 
in the old congress to collect a revenue for tho discharge of our foreign 
and domestic debt, our credit was destroyed, and trade greatly eiubar- 
ras.sed. Before tho revolution Great IJritain claimed an exclusive right 
to the trade of her American colonies. The importation of dry goods, 
alone, from that country was so great that our merchants wore drained of 
gold and silver by tho British. 



76 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Cornelius Ray to Philip Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir: Philadelphia, May 15, 1781. 

1 did myself the pleasure to write you last week by Col. Livingston, and 
now am to inform you of the arrival of the Ship Ann, Capt. Josiah, from 
L'Orient, but through inattention of the Capt. or carelessness in the 
Merchant, not one single Letter is come. 

Yesterday I went and looked over the freight list, and find three Chests 
of Tea with your Mark & addressed to me, which I make no doubt are 
yours, as such shall receive them, pay the freight and leave them for your 
further Orders. But, I am sorry, very Sorry to acquaint you that there 
are great Grounds to believe the Ship Luzerne, Capt. Bell is taken, she 
sailed in Company with the other ship, who saw her strike her colors to- 
Bomething, whether friend or Enemy, Capt. Josiah could not tell I think 
there is scarcely a doubt from, my last Letters, that both you and myself 
have very considerable in her and I am afraid that all the Goods for your 
family's use were put on board her, though I positively ordered Mr. 
Cuming to divide them in the two Vessels. We must suspend our Judg- 
ment untill some other Vessel arrives from that place, which may be 
shortly, when I shall forward your Letters. I must refer you for our 
present Situation and News to my Uncles Letters. 

With great Kegard & Esteem I am your Sincere friend, &c., 

Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Albany. 

R. Frothingham to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Sir : New York 4th June, 1781. 

Agreeable to General Knox's Order I send you : six doz'^ of port-fires, 

fifty pounds slow match, one hundred and fifty Tubes for 9 pounders; it 

is requested you will forward them the soonest possible to Fort Schuyler. 

I am your Hum. Servant. 

-ni •!• Tr T) IT? RrcH" Frothingham, L. C^^ 

Philip Van Rensselaer, Eisq. ' 

In January, 1781, Brant was again upon the war path in the neighbor- 
hood of Fort Schuyler. The provisions were scarce and if supplies were 
not speedily obtained the post would have to be abandoned. On May 12th 
the old Fort Schuyler was destroyed by fire and flood, and was never re- 
built. 

Co7'neliiis Ray to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir : Philadelphia, June 17, 1781. 

Enclosed you have Acct Sales of your three Chests of Tea. I got 6d : 
per pound more for the last chest than any have been sold. You have 
also enclosed your Acct : as far as my present settlement will admit. I 
could not procure any more Bills and have left a Ballance in the hands 
of Mr. Wm. Pollard, as you will see by your Account for your further 
direction. No more of your Goods have yet arrived. I desired Mr. 
Cuming in my last letter, that if he had ship])ed what was ordered for 
your family's use in Capt. Bell to renew the Shipment ; hope this order 
will be agreeable. The 3d and 4th Bills I have left in the hands of our 
friend W. P. — I now embark, and of course have much to do. Make 
my best regards to your family. I most sincerely wish you and them 
every happiness, I am, Your Sincere friend. 

Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq. Corns. Ray. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 77 

*' Major Gkneral Stepiikn Van Uensselakr, tho fifth patroou of 
Albany, born Nuveiuber 1, 17(J4, ami graduated at Harvard I'liiversity in 
17rt"J. was left an orpbaii by the decease id his father, at a very early a^^o, 
and of Course came into the full |M)sscssii»n of his princely estate at the ago 
of twenty-one. That event was celebrated by his JViends, and the tenantry 
ol" Kensselaerswyck, by great rejoicings, the roasting of oxen, killing of 
fatlings, and all the donl(lIl.■^tratil•n8 of joy incident tu feudal times. The 
fnllowing anecdote will serve to .show the palriotism of the patroou : When 
the tnuips under (icn. (lates were opposing Hurgoyne tiear Saratoga. (Jen. 
'I'l-n Uroeck, who was the guardian of the patroon, then in his minority, 
visited some of his nephew's tenants near the llelderberg.and recjuested 
them to take all the j)rovisions and grain they could spare (reserving a 
bare competency I'or their families) to the American army. Several emp- 
tied their gran.-iries. pork barrels, cattle-stalls, and pig sties, and delivered 
their etfecls to the commissary department at Saratoga, not expecting any 
usual reward for so doing. Some time after, to their surprise, the young 
patroon invited those tenants to Albany and pnsrntd/ than irith valid 
tltbs tu till ir liiufh. Such was one of the many act^i of ti»at good man, 
distinguished through life fV)r his generosity and benevolence. The first 
wife (dtieneral Stephen Van llensselaer, was Margaret, daughter of (Jen- 
eral I'hilip Sehuyler, who when a young girl rescued (at the time of an at- 
tack 1)11 the Sehuyler mansion ) her younger sister, afterwards wife of Major 
James Cochran of Oswego. This Intrepid girl rushed down two flights 
of stairs, snatcned tlie «till sleeping infant from the cradle, ami bore it off 
safely, just as a sh:irp tomahawk was hurli'd at her as she fled from the 
room; it slightly injured her dre.^^s, within a few inches of the infant's head." 
A great deal of trouble was created for the Committee of Safety, in tho 
early part of the revolutionary war by a noted tory, who, maugre every 
attempt to ensnare him, was continually lurking about the city of Albany 
in the capacity of a spy. He really appeared to jiossess the powers of 
ubiquity; but wherever sought was never found. One time, when hotly 
pre.-sed, he erawled under the old market in North Market street (Broad- 
way). Upon another occasion, being fired at by his pursuers, in a dark 
night, when paddl'iig from them in a canoe, he threw himself into the river, 
as if mortally wounded, and escajied by pushini: his boat before him down 
the favorin;; current, .\nother " historic relic for the lover of battle ficMs," 
was a scene also laid in Albany, when every means were resorted to by the 
royalists to dampen the revolutionary ardor of their adversaries, 'i'hcy 
naturally supposed nothing would have a greater tendency to expedite the 
desirable end, than to secure tho persons of the most influential rebels 
and by ' carrying them oflf to Canada, there to hold them for the purpose 
of exehang<i ' they would have accomplished a brilliant achievement for 
the benefit of their party. Accordingly an immense reward was offered 
for the capture of such, and several parties of hostile Indians and expa- 
triated torics eagerly set out from Canatla with the hope of enriching thein- 
Pelves by seizing the Committee of Safety at Albany in August, 1781. 
Col. I'hilip Van Ucnssolaer, one of that committee and also the commis- 
sary of military stores, having received an intimation of the design, warned 
the other members and moved his own family from his seat at Cherry 
Hill to the city. Tlie b(dd attempt was made on Col. Ganscvoort. Gen. 
Schuyler, who was another one of the eommittee, thinking that the vicin- 
ity of his residence to the city would insure its protection, did not deem 
it necessary to remove. The fancied security was, however, of little avail. 



78 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

One of the parties alluded to, in the character of friend, gained admission 
into the kitchen ; when the manner and pressing desire forthwith to see 
the general, excited the suspicions of a domestic. She, with admirable 
presence of mind, directed them to a wrong room for the object of their 
search, and then ran to the right one to inform him of his jeopardy. Dart- 
ing through a secret slide in the wainscot work, the general gained an 
upper room and fastened himself in. The firing of his guns of distress, 
brought the citizens quickly to his rescue. 

Copy of a Eeturn Delivered to Major Genl. Lord Sterling. 

24th October 1781, of small Arms &c on handat Albany : Repaired Arms 
203; do, repairable 2445; do irrepairable 1225; repaired Bayonets 
303; do repairable 581; do irrepairable 881; W^ of powder 500, w^ of 
Musket Ball 400; Flints 300j) ; Tubes 616; French Spunges for 4 
pounders 13 ; w' of Slow Match 1^7 ; Morter Beds 1 ; British Bagage Wag- 
gons 25 ; Iron 6p'i Cannon mounted 3 ; do not Mounted 2 ; 4 pd do not 
Mounted 2 ; Pistols irrepairable 17 ; Rheams of Musket Car : paper 4 ; Can- 
non do 6 ; pounds of thread 15 ; do Twine 40 ; Bayonet Scabbards & Belts 
191 ; Port fires 66 ; Musket Cartridges 9300. 

" The youngest daughter of Lord Stirling married Colonel William 
Duer and became the mother of W^illiam A. Duer of New York." la 
the summer of 1781 Lord Stirling was ordered to the command of the 
Northern army, and he made his head-quarters at Albany. Quite a large 
British force was at Ticonderoga and vicinity, under St Leger (who was 
repulsed at Fort Stanwix in 1777) and much alarm prevailed above the 
Highlands as an invasion was expected. " The vigorous and eflfective 
preparations made by Lord Stirling intimidated St. Leger and he returned 
to Canada." 

State of New York to John F. Pruyn Dr. 

To my Service as Clark to Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq, the Store keeper 
of the Public Militia Stores, from the 14th June 1777 to the 1st. No- 
vember 1781 is 4 years, 9 months & 16 days : 4s. pr day £ 356 : : 

Interest for 9 years at 6 pet 192 : 4 : 6 



£ 548 : 4 : 6 



I do hereby Certify that the Above Service has been performed under 

my Direction. -n -it -n 

^ P. Van Rensselaer. 

Killian K., the youngest son of Col. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer and 
Ariaantie Schuyler, was born in 1763. We have before us some of his col- 
lege letters. 

Killian K. Van Rensselaer to Col. Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Yale, June 15th, 1782. 
" This my dear Brother will be handed to you by Mr. Lee, an honest 
Man and a very obliging one. No conveyance offering I have not written 
you a letter since NicoU left us, tho' the Post rides Weekly. I thought 
proper not to trouble you before this. Notwithstanding I was very 
desirous to inform you that my health has been much impaired of late. 
Let not this alarm you in the least, for I am recovering fast, five students 
belonging to this Society have died within twenty-five days. One by a 
fall ofi' a Barn and the other four by sickness, these four were no less 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 70 

remarkable for their Scholarship, and an early display of morality, ten- 
derness ot heart and social virtues, than for natural heauties. Manly for- 
titude, Wit cN: Vivacity It is Scarcely in the power of human imajiinatiou 
to paint a Scene more truly moving than that of a fellow Studciit witncss- 
ini; their departure fri>m this World, who to no purpose are stru;.'j;linf:^ 
before his Kyes, for that relief which he cannot give. A person has 
enough to do in performing the hard tho' necessary task of a (.'ollcge life 
without any impediment from its gross Companion the IJody but when 
this js also (ijj'ictnl, that can have little or no pleasure from even tho 
most agreeable delights. My situation for these Gve Months past has been 
very agreeable, and happy would 1 be, could I boast of it at present. My 
i'isorder has arisen from asedantry life, the Doctor tells me and therefore 
at present but little time I approj)riate to Setting twenty hours a day is 
spent in riding, Walking & Sleeping, the other lour 1 attempt Daily to 
s|)end in perlurniing College exercises. My d'ct is Milk and Hread and 
you may judge what it brings me to, for you have experienced it about 
two years ago. I'hil \' Dick are well and mind their Studies much better 
then 1 expected. Last Thursday Mr. Harry NicoU was brought in this 
'I'own a prisoner off long-Island he will leave this jdace in the evening 
i'or honic, as he has already effected an exchangjj. lie desires to be 
remember'd to Col. Hamilton and Col. Troop, if they are with you, the 
latter was a Classmate of his'n in York College. He would have written 
them each a letter if time would have admitted. What objections would 
you make in my going to Cambridge in July to see my two Cousins take 
their Degree? Stephen writes me he expects I'll come. I have written 
him an answer back 1 should willingly come provided time would adn)it 
me, he has written me again by yesterday's Post, that he would freely 
bare my expense provided I would come, his generosity to which I am no 
stranger too is beyond what I could expect. If I do sacrifice some time 
now in seeing him take his leave (off the seat of the Muses) II arverd 
College, it might be a matter that would effect me hereafter greatly k, 
no less at present fur a ride my Doctor tells nie I must take whether to 
Cambridge with Jack when he returns, or home is what you must deter- 
mine. Comniencenicnt at Cambridge is the 12tli of July. I shall expect 
ycu will write me by next Saturday's post & inform me how my friends 
tlo for I have not heard from Albany once since last "January. Adieu 

Mr Lee calls for my letters. ,. t- tr n 

n 1 i>i T \r u 1 tiv, KlLLtAN K. VAN ReNSSELAKR. 

Col. rhilip Van Kensselaer Albany. 

Killian K. Van Kensselaer was educated for the legal profession, in which 
he for many years held a high rank in Albany. He served for several 
years in the city councils, and about 18((0 he represented his district in 
Congress five successive terms in the House of Kepresentutives. He 
married Margaretta, daughter of John Sanders of Scotia, and died June 
18, 1845, at the age of 82, leaving four sons, two of whom still survive. 

P. Van Rensatlaer to Col. Marin us WUM. 

Sir, Albany, 19th July, 1782. 

1 am this hour honoured with your favor of the 17th Inst : on Heccipt 
thereof I made application to Col. Heed 'for an order on the Quarter Master 
for waggoners to forward to you all the fixed ammunition in my possession, 
which will be about twenty thousand Cartridges, Cartridge lioxes I have 
not in my power at present to send. But expect twenty-lour hundred 



80 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

from fish Kill which have been ordered by his Excellency to this place 
for your Regt. on the Arrival of them no time will be lost in forwarding 
them to you, by Dear Sir, j^^^ ^j^^^ Obedient Hum. Servt. 

..T • TiT-ii ..1- n 1 /1 P. Van E.ENSSELAER. 

Marinus Willett, Esqr. Col. Com, 

No 5059, I certify, that there is due from the United States to Arent 
W. Slingerlandt the Sum of Six dollars and a Quarter, Viz : For Tea 
Loads of Wood at five Shillings pr Load, $6f. Which :r^ura of Six Dollars 
and a Quarter shall be paid to the said Arent W. Slingerlandt or Order, 
in Specie, or other current Money equivalent, by the Tenth Day of Octo- 
ber next; and if not then paid, the same shall afterwards bear an Interest 
of Six per Cent per Annum, until paid. 

Witness my Hand, this Twenty Seventh Day of September, A.D., 1782. 

Countersigned In behalf of the Public) Tim. Pickering, 



^1 



Nicholas Quackenbush, D. Lott, j Quarter Master General. 

Colonel Timothy Pickering was a member of the board of war. lu 1780 
he succeeded General Green as quarter master general. In 1791 he was 
appointed post mastej" general by Gen. Washington, which oiEce he held 
nearly four years, when on the resignation of General Knox, he was ap- 
pointed secretary of war. In 1795 Washington made him his secretary 
of state, which position he held until 1800, when he was removed by 
President Adams on political grounds. He was a United States senator 
in 1803 and again in 1805, and in 1814 was elected a member of tlie 
United States house of representatives. He died in Salem, Jan. 29, 1829." 

William Pollard to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir : Philad., Mar. 26th, 1788. 

Your Esteemed Favour of the 23'' Febs" is now before me & in conse- 
quence thereof your Accounts shall be gone into immediately ; I have the 
pleasure to acquaint you tliat you have another small adventure arrived, 
the Goods arrived from Baltimore last Week they consist of Buttons i'or 
Cloaths amounting to 10-14 lb : 9 oz : 9 dr & I fear will be very unsaleable, 
but you may depend I will do with them as I wou'd. for myself. 

It is with great pleasure I acquaint you that at last we have rec' the 
agreeable Ace'* of Peace, a French Sloop of War called the Triumph was 
despatched from Breast with the News of the Preliminaries of Peace being 
signed the 20''' Jany by all the contending Pyrties, she was sent to Count 
D'Estaing at Cadiz to stop the sailing of the Combined Fleets, & he has 
thought proper to send her out here to inform the French Minister 
thereof, & said Minister & Congress have Letters confirming the same 
from the Marquis La Fayette, but we have no Official Accounts from 
France, but we apprehend there cannot be a possibility of a Doubt, re- 
specting the Matter. I beg leave to refer you to the News Papers for the 
Heads of the Terms, we are in hourly expectations of a Confirmation 
either from France or England. I am with great Respect. 
Dear Sir, Your most obed' SerV. 

Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. ' '^^'- '^^^^^^^- 

A provisional treaty of peace was signed January 20, 1783, and " after 
protracted negotiations " the articles were ratified by a definitive treaty 




J. i" jL.i-Tiid aoirar e. 




/^z^rT-z^^l^/^ 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 81 

September 3, 1783. " This ponce wa-s ne;;otiat«d on the part of the United 
States by John Adiuis, John Jay, and licnjamin Franklin, Ks.|uircs. 
The independence of the United States was then acknowlcd;,'ed by all the 
foreign dominions." 

Oen. On/i.ii.C't'jrt to Philip V<tn lltitixiitier. 

'^ir: Albany I'Jth April, 1783. 

riease deliver Lioiit Kurd lour luuidrod Wei^^'ht of Powder ior the use 
of tirin;; ('annon on the day the Proclamation of I'eaco shall bo announced 
and proclaimed. Guns and Cartridge Paper. 

pRTiia r..\N.SKV(tour ]{, fliiil. 

To .Mr. Philip Van Ilenssclaer, Store Keeper. 

On April 18th, the commander-in-chief thus addre.ssed the army on 
the cessation of hostilities: " The comuiander-in-ehief orders the cessation 
of hostilities, between the United States of America and the king of (Jreat 
Hritain, to be publicly proclaimed to-morrow at twelve o'clock, at the New 
IJuiiditig ; and that the proelaniation which will be communicated here- 
with, be read to-uiorrow evening, at the head of every regiment and 
corps of the army; after which, the chaplains, with the several brigades, 
will render thanks to Almighty Gi>d for all his mercies, particularly for 
his overruling the wrath of man, to bis own glory, and causing the rage 
of war to cease among the nations." 

" On the completion of eight years from the memorable battle of Lex- 
ington, the proclamation of the congress for a cessation of ht^stilities was 
published at the door of the public building, followed by three huzzjus; 
after which, a prayer was offered to the Almighty lluler of the world, and 
an anthem was performed by voices and instruments. Though the pro- 
clamation extends only to the prohibition of hostilities, and not to tho 
nnnuneiation of a general peace, it gives sincere satisfaction." 

Philip Van Rciasclacr to Timothy Pickering. 
Sir: Albany, 13th October, 1783. 

An Account was handed to me this day By a Gentleman of your family 
of £25 : 11. Being for One Anchor and one ('oil of Kigi^ing delivered 
to me in .>lay last. Soon after I had received the articles 1 re<|ue8ted 
Major (juackenboss to Settle for the Same, as he had Taken my Sloop in 
the fall of 1781 to go With Troops to the Ili-^hlands, and Lost my Anchor 
and part of a new Gable for which I have had his pr<imise to return me 
again. But could never accomplish it for he stood in need of them. I 
have not received any pay lor the Service of the Sloop, and wish that tho 
Account may be charged to Major Quackcnboss aa part of payment to me 
for the use of the Sloop and Lo.ss of my Anchor and Cable. 
With respect and Esteem I am Sir, 

your Most Obe<lt. Humble Scrvt. 

Philip Van IIenssklaer. 
The llonble. Timothy Pickering, Ksq., Q. Master General, Fishkill. 

Matiy of the troops had gone home on furlough and this year (Jeneral 
Wasliington, having leisure, proceeded up the Hudson with (jtovernor 
George Clinton to visit the principal fields of military operations at the 
north. He passed over the battle ground at Stillwater, with Generals 

11 



82 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Schuyler and Gransevoort. and extended his journey as far northward as 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and westward to Fort Schuyler (now Rome) 
on the Mohawk, being absent nineteen days. 

PJiilip Va.n Rensselaer to Cornelius Ray. 
Dear Sir: New York, 15 November, 1783. 

Misfortune seems to attend us that we may not have the pleasure of 
Meeting and spending a few days with each other. I have now been 
here 14 Days, in hopes to see you every day to return, but to my great 
Disappointment, will not have that pleasure. And for the want of your 
Good Advice and assistance I have Lost Considerable by it ; the articles 
which I wanted to purchase have risen dayly since I came to this place. 

I have purchased this day of Mr. Governeur 40 Hhds : Rum and some 
Dry Goods ; but he cannot deliver me more than 30 Hhds : the re- 
mainder which he has is Spirits in which he informs me you are Con- 
cerned in, and cannot Deliver me until you return. Which you will 
please to Consider, and if you approve of it yoi; will please to send me 
10 Hhds : and a Box of your fine Sugar, and one Tierce of Rice. I have 
Received of Mr. Governeur to the amount of £862 : 15 in Rum and£145 : 

II : 1 in Dry Goods, together £1008 : 6 : 1. And of Mr." B. Swarthout 
to the amount of — which I must Trouble you to Settle for me as soon as 
money Comes to your hands Belonging to me, and Take receipts for the 
same, which you will please to transmit to me. Inclosed you have an 
order on Mr. Jacob Cuyler, and he is expected to pay you the Sum of 
£31 : 14 : 5 in New York Currency. And an order on Mr. William 
Pollard of Philadelphia, to pay to you or your order the Sum of £513 : 
16 : 11 J Penn. Currency. And I have in the hands of Mr. Martin, At- 
torney at Law at Boston a Considerable Sum which will in my opinion 
amount to about £820, or more which I have requested him to remit to 
you as Soon as possible. Which when received you will first pay Mr. 
Swarthout the Sum of £ — ; and Mr. Governeur £1008: 6: 1 and the 
remainder you will please to pay yourself with for such articles as you 
may send me. And should you not send me any, you will please to keep 
the money in your hands until my further orders. I have a Quantity of 
Barr Iron at Claverack Landing and will have fifteen or twenty Tons by 
next Spring. If you will send good India Rum at the New York price 
and allow me the price for the Iron as it Sell? when delivered, you will 
please to send it by the Bearer Leonard Van Buren, and you will greatly 
oblige Dear Sir, your sincere friend and Humble Servt. 

TVT n r T> AT VI P- Van Rensselaer. 

Mr. Cornelius Ray, New York. 

" New York city at this time was esteemed the most eligible situation 
for commerce in the United States. It has at all seasons of the year, a 
short and easy access to the ocean, and with respect to foreign markets, 
has decidedly the preference to any of the states. The exports to the 
West Indies are constantly going on quite largely." 

This certificate issued from the treasury': 

I Do Hereby Certify, That Daniel Jones Capt., or his Assigns, are en- 
titled to receive out of the Treasury of the State of New York, the Sum 
of Twenty-five pounds two shilling & four pence Current Lawful Money 
of the said State, with Interest at Five percent per Annum, from the 
twentieth Day of December One thousand seven hundred and eighty, 



* Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 83 

pursuant to the Direction of a Law entitled " An Act for the Settlement of 
the Pay of the Levies and Militia, for their Services in the late War ; and 
for other Purposes therein montioned " passed the'JTtli Day of April, 1784. 
C25. 2, 4. (jkkaiiij Hanckkr, Treasurer. 

During the war, vast sums of paper currency had been emitted by 
congress, and large quantities of specie had been introduced, Ujwards 
the close of the war, by the French army and the Spanish trucle. This 
plenty of money enabled the states to comply with the first recjuisitiuns of 
I'Diigress; so that during two or three years, the fodoral trex'^ury was in 
>'»me measure sup[ilied. Hut when the danger of war had ceased, and 
the vast importations of foreign goods hail lessened the quantity of circu- 
lating 'specie, the officers and soldiers of the late army, and those who 
furnished supplies for public exigencies, were obliged to receive for 
wages certificates or promissory notes, which passed at a fifth or eveu a 
tenth of their nominal value. 

This is to Certify that Mr. Abraham (r. Lansingh has due to him from 
the United States the Sum of Ninety-Kight pounds. Sixteen Shillings iu 
November 1777 and in I'V-by. 1771), and the Sum of One Thousand one 
hundred and sixty Dollars, in Transporting .Nlilitary Stores from Spriu"- 
field to this place for public use in Juno 1777. 

P. Van Renssklaer, Public Storekeeper. 

This is to Certify that Casparus Pruyn has due to him from the 
United States the Sum of Seventy-One pounds four Shillings, Specie for 
work done for the use of the li;dians, by the request of the Commissioners 
o4" Indians to me in 1779-1780. 

Ubany 20th, Sept. 1784. ^ * ^'^^ Rensselaer, Public Storekeeper. 

A Wedding Invitation 90 years ago — JeUen Fonda to John Sandfra. 

Sir, Schenectady, 4th Nov' 17S5. 

I shauld He Glad of your Company as also of Mrs. Sanders, your .Mother 

and Sister Pedgge for to See D)y Daughter Pcdggc married Next Tuesday 

at 12 a Clock, I am yours. o- *• • i in 1 1 o . 

' •' Sincere irinde and Humble beV. 

To Mr. John Sanders, Scotia. Jelles Fonda. 

When Sir John Johnson began a devastating march up the 3Iohawk 
▼alley, among the many suflfcrers on October 18, 1780, wius .Major Jelles 
Fonda, from whom the present village of Fonda, near old Caughuawaga, 
derives its name, lie was absent IVom home at the time, attending a 
meeting of the state legislature, of wjiich he wa.s a member, then in session 
at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. His mansion was at a place called 
the Nose, in the town of Palatine. His wife escaped under cover of a 
thick fog, and on foot made her way to Schenectady. The house was 
burned, together with property valued at §'••', ''OO. The venerable old 
David Fonda was killed and scalped by an Indian party attached to the 
expedition, he was cut in several parts of his head with a tomahawk. 
Mr. Fonda was a citizen of great respectability, eighty years of age, a man 
who Sir William Johnson said, was like a lather to him when he settled 
in Johnstown and Kingsborough, yet his son, Sir John Johnson, waged 
a cruel war against him and his neighbors, robbing them of property and 
slaying prisoners. Weddings in those days were celebrated differently 



84 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

from what they now are. The law then required the publishinp; of the 
banns three successive times, in a religious meeting, before the couple could 
get married. After the notice had been once read, the young friends 
usually had a dance, and aft6r the couple were united, they had several 
dances. In this jolly manner the festivities were continued for three suc- 
cessive days. It was customary for the groom, after the ordeal of pro- 
posing the question, to make his intended a present of some kind, usually 
a pair of silver shoe buckles, sleeve buttons, or snuff-box. The ill-bred 
custom, of celebrating weddings in the streets, usually termed hornimj, is 
still sometimes continued. 

There is an amusing account of a novel marriage of these early times 
well worthy of preservation, when clergymen were not so very plenty as 
they now are. A young Dutch swain and his Dulcinea were anxiously 
awaiting the happy day which was to see them united in the silken bands 
of matrimouy. Tbey resided on the north side of Tomhenick creek, and 
the minister who had been engaged to tie the knot livqd on the south 
side of the same stream. As the fates would have it a severe storm arose 
with heavy rains falling the night previous to the nuptial day, and the 
creek became fearfully swollen which rendered it impassable. Its waters 
were rising, and its current becoming more rapid every hour. The Dutch 
Reformed clergyman arrived at the appointed time at a place where he 
had been in the habit of fording the creek ; but it was as much as his 
life was worth to attempt to cross it then. Here was a dilemma. He 
turned his horse's head to return, when he was hailed by two voices on 
the opposite side of the stream, they were those of the groom and bride 
who entreated him to stay. After some debate, it was agreed that the 
ceremony should proceed : " Stop !" cried the domineto the anxious couple? 
" Stand vere you be, and I will make you man and wife." In the meantime 
the friends of the betrothed arrived from the bride's house in the neigh- 
borhood. Then was presented a singular spectacle, the like whereof was 
never seen before, and probably will not be again. The domine read 
the marriage service on the margin of the creek, while the parties stood 
on the opposite side. ■ After the ceremony was over the happy fcouple 
turned to leave. Here was another dilemma, which cast a cloud of deep 
anxiety over the tranquil features of the good old man. " Stop, den, my 
young friends, von moment, if you please. You cannot toss the few 
guilders across the creek, but you can leave them atder first house below. 
Tell dem it is Domine Van Bunschooten's marriage fee, and I will call, 
and get it." He put these directions in pure Dutch then mounted 
his horse and proceeded homewards, and the married couple did 
the same. This is only one instance of the peculiar trials the inhabitants 
had to contend with, but there are many others showing the exciting 
occurrences that engrossed their attention, and the nature of the enjoy- 
ments they found amid so many privations. And yet, with all their hard- 
ships, they prospered; their wants were Tew, and their pleasures were 
keenly enjoyed. There were but few families, living quite distant from 
each other, a visit was enjoyed to the utmost and there was no fear of 
criticism, gossip or backbiting to mar the full flow of friendliness. Modern 
fashionable calls and tea-parties, from the very hollowness of the preten- 
sions made, suffer much in comparison with the noble friendship developed 
amid untold trials. The inhabitants, however, generally were endowed 
with physical health, strength, and activity, and also were engaged in 
busy scenes of general usefulness. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 85 

Dancing A»»embly. 

Albany, 1701. 
The Honor of Miss II. Van Retissolaer's Company is requestctl lor the 
Season. 

Stn. V. Rensselaer,") ( Dutlley Walsh, 

.lanios Fairlie, > Manafjers. •< G. W. Mancius, 

Sanders Laiisinj^, ) (^John V. Henry, 

As rejjards the customs of our ancestral patriarchy, their habits and 
modes of cnjoyinf; themselves, and how they ditler from the present time, 
is always entertainin<^ and affords rare amusement ; while it may even now 
be hazardous to dissent, we will hijihly appreciate the transition from the 
habits and customs of those days to the modern age. Every thini; was 
conducted on a scale of economy and comfort, luxury and ostentation 
were then in tlieir cradle ; the former had not yet '' poured out her <rlit- 
terin<; stores." As population multi|)lied, and demands of a social nature 
increased, parties of pleasure sweetened the days of toil. An afternoon's 
visit, perhaps a bee of .some nature, the cjuilting bees, ajiple-parinj^ 
bees. s|iiiiniii^' bees, wool pickinjr, were all occasions of rare fun. It 
may be a husking is planned, to which the younj; ladies for many miles 
are invited, tlie younj.' men in the evenin<r comiiij; in on horseback to spend 
the remainin^r festive hours, brint^iii^' a violinist with the party. After 
the work, to bark corn, was accomplished, the gay dance and warm supper 
would be the sequel to the pleasant gathering. In earlier days, at certain 
times, Albany would present the gayety of a colonial court, lialls, parties 
and simple amusements of every kind then known, were interspersed with 
the proceedings of grave conferences with stately savages. At these as- 
semblies for dancing they came and retired early, for in those days all were 
re<|uired to keep seasonable hours. 

Washington divided his time into the four grand departments of sleep, 
devotion, recreation and business. On the hours of business, whether in 
his own or his country's service, he would allow nothing to infrinire. 
While in camp no eompanv however illustrious, no pleasures however ele- 
gant, no conversation however agreeable, could prevail on him to neglect 
his business. The moment that his hour of duty was come, he wouM (ill 
his glass and with a smile call out to lus I'riends around the social board ; 
' Well gentlemen here is Ixni rt'pos' and immediately withdraw to business. 
Bon rrpim is a French cant for good night. Washington drank it as a 
signal to break up; for the moment the company had swallowed the gen- 
eral's bon repos, it was Itnta and off. General Wayne who, happily for 
America, understood fighting better than French, had some how or other 
taken up a notion that this same bon repos to whom Washington always 
made such conscience of giving his last bumper, must have been some 
warrior of the times of old. Having by some extraordinary luck gotten 
hold of two or three dozen of good old wine, he invited a parcel of hearty 
fellow oflScers to dine with him and help him to break them to the health 
of America. Soon as the cloth was removed and the bottles on the table, 
the hi^ro of Stony Point cried out : " Come mi/ brnve/iUotrs^jlU yniir ijlusses, 
hi'rr's to ofif hoii rrpiis /or ever !" The officers were thunderstruck, but 
bavin;; turned off their glasses, rose u|). one and all to go. " llev deyl 
what's all this, gentlemen, what's all thisy" " Why. did not you drink bon 
repos or good night'!"' "What! is that the meaning of it 'r"' '' Yes Sir." 
•' Well then damn bon repos, and take your seats again, for by the life of 
"Washington, you shan't stir a peg, till we have started efery drop of our 



86 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



excellent drink, be seated, be seated gentlemen." In a glass case at the 
rooms of the Historical Library in Philadelphia, with other relics, is this 
identical silver wine cup, bearing the initials of A. W. It was used by 
General Wayne in the revolution, and presented to the society by a gen- 
tleman of that city, together with a small brass camp kettle, belonging to 
the same notable officer, both of which had seen much service. 

At Mrs. Washington's levee the visitors were seated, then tea and 
coffee were handed, with plain and plum cake. The company was expected 
to retire early. " The general retires at nine, and I usually precede him," 
the lady would say. At the presidential receptions Washington wore 
his hair powdered and gathered behind in a silk bag. His coat and 
breeches were of a plain black velvet; he wore a white or pearl colored 
vest and yellow gloves, and had a cocked hat in his hand, with silver 
knee and shoe buckles and a long sword with a finely-wrought and glit- 
tering steel hilt. The coat was worn over this and its scabbard of po- 
lished white leather. He never shook hands at these receptions, even 
with his most intimate friends, but all his visitors were received with a 
dignified bow, and passed on. At Mrs. Washington's levees the president 
appeared simply as a private gentleman, with neither hat nor sword, he 
was constantly engaged in conversation, without restraint and most gene- 
rally with the ladies, adorned by all the graces of true courtesy. At 
one of her ladyship's Friday evening drawing-rooms, owing to the ex- 
treme lowness of the ceiling, the ostrich feathers in the head-dress of a 
most distinguished belle in New York city, unfortunately took fire from 
the chandelier, to the general confusion and alarm. Major Jackson, aid- 
de-camp to the President Washington, flew to the rescue, and, clapping 
the burning plumes between his hands, extinguished them. This lady, 
who was Miss Mary McEvers, married Edward Livingston, the minister 
to France. Mrs. Washington as a belle at the colonial court in Vrilliams- 
burg, as a beautiful young widow (Mrs. Custis) reigning among the 
chivalrous Virginians, as the wife of the commander in chief and presi- 
dent of the new nation, was a general favorite and her benign aspect is 
familiar to all. She was accustomed to join Gen. Washington in camp, 
traveling with postillions in white and scarlet liveries. Every thing 
about her house had an air of simplicity ; the table good, but not osten- 
tatious, and no deviation was seen from regularity and domestic economy. 
She superintended the whole and joined to the qualities of an excellent 
housewife the simple dignity which ought to characterize a woman whose 
husband has acted the greatest part on the theatre of human affairs. 

The subject of the president's title had caused much discussion in 
society. General Muhlenberg, who had once been an earnest clergyman 
but had in 1775 espoused his country's cause, thought General Washing- 
ton would like the title Jn'</h miijht incus, used by the stadtholder of Holland. 
The general, dining with Washington, observed on the subject : " If the 
office could always be held by men as large as yourself or Wynkoop, it 
would be very appropriate ; but if by chance a president as small as my 
opposite neighbor were elected it would be truly ridiculous." He therefore 
voted against any title. When Rev. Mr. Muhlenburg enlisted his regi- 
ment, he entered his pulpit with his sword and cockade and preached 
his farewell sermon. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 87 

Union CaUfg,- ComiuHttr to lion. Philip Schuyler. 
Sir, Schenectady 9th Januy. 1792. 

You have Doubtles.s liot-ii inroriuril that the Citizens of Schenectady 
have had it in contenjplatinn ior a nuniher of years to obtain a pubiiclc 
Sfinenary of Loarnin^i in this Town. In the year ITHOor 81 proposais 
were made on their part to the Iie<;islature then Setting; at Klw/ston to 
Endow a Colle^'e if instituted in this phice, with an Kstate of ten thousand 
Acres of Land and the inco>ne(tf the town Kerrys K.steniuted at more then 
1. ')(!.£ pr Annum Since that period and after the passin;; of the uneversity 
I^aw, they liave been preventeil from publicivly pursuing? the object by 
the revival of an Ancient Law Dispute which comprehended tlic proposed 
Kstate and im which hitherto no decision had been obtained, this however 
has not made them Lose Sijrht of the business. A conviction that the 
Distance of lliis part of the State with the charjres Attending; a residence 
either at Columbia or its noij^hbouriuj; Colleges cannot but operate as a 
very great discouraireinent of moderate tho' comfortable Circumstances to 
devote their Children to a regular course of Education Leads thera to 
persevere. And if we Add to these considerations the amazing increase 
of population, the well known Centrality and ('heapness of board in this 
Town the Comparatively few lashionable Vices with other advantages 
which are obvious we flatter ourselves every disintere.>-t CJentleman of be- 
nevolance and Lebirality within this State will afford us their frientlship 
and Aid in the persecution. We conceive a Cri.ses to offer at present 
favourable to our views at Liast if we can have the happiness of ujccting 
with the approbation atid Countenance of tlie Legislature. Dirk V. Ingeu 
Es(jr of this place with others having obtained a Leas for the Term of 
twenty one years from the Onritfa Jinlinns for a Tract of Land Called in 
the treaty of 1788 the Residue of their reservation, has with his Associates 
convayed by Leas 15;}00 Acres there of for the purpose of founding and 
Supportinir A College in the Town of Schenectady reserving an Annual 
rent of two hundred and fifty Dollars for the benifet of said Indians. The 
Management of this Estate is by ample powers intrusted into the hands of 
the (Jeiitlemcn acting as Trustees of the Academy in this Town, these 
Gentlemen considering this fund as gradual in its Proceeds and temporary 
in its Nature have determined to petition the Legislature for a Law to 
inipower them at their own cxpence to purchase from the Indians their 
reservation to this Donation. This petition supported by a Number of 
the most respectable Characters in the City and County of Albany will be 
laid before the Legislature at an Early SUige of the season. Wo cannot 
form any doubt of its propriety. Instead of injuring the Interests ol' the 
Indians it may be made to render to them the most Substantial advantage, 
the idea of supporting and Educating a few of their young Men ha^i been 
thrown out to some of their principal ('hiefs who appeared to be exceed- 
ingly pleased and Expressed their Wishes that we might Succeed besides 
after deducting the above Quantity they retain in their Reservation more 
then two hundred and fifty thousand Acres to be Cultivated by about one 
hundred families. And it must be obvious that such institution would be 
of the greatest advantage to Society & the State. But whatever facts or 
rca.'^ons may be plead in behalf of the Subject we are conscious that in 
order to succeed we need the interest and Aid of friends in the Leirisla- 
ture. From my knowledge therefore of your candour and liberality I 
take tho Liberty humbly to request your Council aud Assistauce iu the 



88 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

business at Least as far as you shall Conceive Consistant and beg further 
to Suggest that We wish you to make such use of this Letter as you shall 
think conducive to promote our wishes. 

We are Sir, Your very Humble Serves, 

Abr" Oothout. 

Mynd' S. Ten Eyck, Nicholas Veeder. 

John Glen, Cornelius N. Van Slyck. 

Honorable Philip Schuyler, Esqr., Member of the Senate, New York. 

Philip Van Rensselaer to Oov. George Cliiiton. 
Dear Sir, Albany 1 Feby, 1792. 

I take the Liberty to inform your Excellency, that I have not been so 
Successful as to have my Acco' adjusted by the Gentlemen Appointed by 
Law fo.r my Service during the Late war, and for which I have your Excel- 
lency's promise that I should be well Rewarded, this will be Delivered to 
your Excellency by Capt. Mathew Trotter by whom I wish to Receive a 
Line from the Governor with Advice what Steps I must Take in order to 
obtain my Just Right. I have Requested Cob Varick to call on your 
Excellency on this Business. 

With Esteem I am your Excellency's Real and Sincere friend 
and Humbe Serv'. 

TT- T-. 11 r^ r^ nv . PhILIP VaN ReNSSELAER. 

His Excellency Governor George Clinton. 

Philip Van Rensselaer to Richard Varick. 

Dear Colonel : 

I take the Liberty to trouble you to call on the Governor to know what 
Steps I must take to obtain my pay for my Service during the Late War, 
for which I have his promise that I should be well Rewarded, his Ex- 
cellency's oppinion, together with your good advice, will be my Guide on 
this head, which you will please to Communicate to me by a Line with 
the Return of the Bearer Captain Trotter. I am yours Sincerely. 

The Worshipful Richard Varick, Esq., New York-^-"^- Rensselaer. 

" In 1792 a sort of stage was established to run from Albany to Whites- 
town, near Utica, which performed the route once a fortnight. Some 
enterprising persons residing in the Genesee county, which was the great 
west of that day established another to meet the one at Whitestown. 
The next year a stage undertook to carry passengers from Albany to 
Cooperstown." 



I 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 89 



ciiAiTEU rv. 

General Wayne's Campakin. 

Umlcr the authority of the act of congress 1701, Arthur St. Clair, 
governor <>f the north wesferu territory, hud heeu appoiiitotl iniijor 
general and comni;mdor in chief. Every exertion wa.s made to niiso 
an army and provide provisions and arms for it, after wliich it a.s.semblud 
at Fort Wiishini^ton. On the 17th day of Septemher. 17'.>1, the array 
left Fort Washiui^ton, and cut a road throuirh the wilderness, to where 
Hamilton now stands. Here a fort was erected, and called Fort Hamilton ; 
having; completed this and garrisoned it, St. Clair marched some twenty 
miles northwiird and erected Fort St. Clair, and marching twenty miles 
further due north, he established another military post ami called it Fort 
Jefferson. .More than two thousand warriors had been watching St. Clair's 
niovemcnt.s for several days, all night long the .sentinels had been firing 
upon prowling Indians, and the men, by order of the commanding gene- 
ral, had slept upon their arms. .Major Hamtramck had been despatched 
with a suflicient force to bring hack about sixty men who had deserted in 
a body, and the main army, only fourteen hundred strong, moved for- 
ward, to where afterwards Fort Keeovery was erected, within the limits 
of Mercer county. The troops had been early mustered and dismis.sed 
from parade on the beautiful morning of November 4th, 17'Jl. They 
were preparing for breakfast, when, half an hour before sunrise, a body of 
Indians, led on by Little Turtle, with yells that wakened horrid echoes 
miles away through the forest, fell suddenly upon the mrlitia. Many of 
these had never seen service and fled in an itistant, they rushed into the 
regular's camp, and spread terror ami confusion where they ran. The 
officers exerted themselves, to the utmost, to restxtre order, but in vain ; 
they, however, did their duty bravely, and were shot down in great num- 
bers, by the enemy, who took a sure and fatal aim at them. The Indians 
always .<hoot at the officers. Cieneral St Clair was so worn down by fatigue 
and disease, gout and rheumatism, that he was not al>le to mount his hor.se 
without assistance, but he beliaved gallantly during the dreadful scene. 
He was not in uniform, his chief covering was a coarse cappo coat, and a 
three cocked hat from under which his white hair was seen streaming as 
he rode up and down the lines during the battle. He had three horses 
killed umlcr him. Kight balls passed through his clothes. He Gnally 
mounted a pack horse, and upon this animal, which could with difficulty 
tie spurred into a trot, he folhiwed the frightened soldiers in the general 
retreat. The ground was c«»vcred with snow, two or three inches deep. 
The march was a very disorderly one, from Fort JcfTerson to Fort Wiish- 
ington now Cincinnati. There were in the army, at the commencement 
of the action, af)out tw ■ hundred and fifty women, of whom, fifty-six were 
killed in the battle, and the rcmaimler were made prisoners by the enemy, 
except a small inimber who reaidied Fort Washington. One <d' the sur- 
vivors, Mrs. Catharine Miller, lived in Cincinnati till her death in iSiiS. 

12 



90 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

This woman ran ahead of the whole army, in their flight from the field of 
battle. Her large quantity of long red hair, floated in the breeze, which 
the soldiers followed through the woods, as their avant courier that moved 
rapidly onward, to the place of their ultimate destination. Many of the 
prisoners taken were by the Indians roasted alive by a slow fire. 

This defeat of General Arthur St. Clair had produced the greatest alarm 
among all the settlers ip the West, and it cast a gloom over society in all 
parts of the Union, and checked for a short time the tide of emigration in 
the direction of Ohio. St. Clair was condemned in unmeasured terms by 
men of all classes and parties, and the indignation of President Washington 
was exceeding hot. Although naturally of a mild disposition, Washing- 
ton had a temper which was vehement and almost irresistible. The sad 
news had greatly excited the general ; he walked slowly backward and 
forward in silence, he seemed much agitated, and broke out suddenly : 
" It's all over, St. Clair is defeated, routed, the olBcers nearly all killed, the 
men by wholesale. The rout is complete, and a surprise in the bargain !" 
All this was said with great vehemence ; then pausing, he a'gain paced the 
floor in silence, violently agitated. When near the door he stopped shore, 
stood for a moment, and then there was another terrible explosion of wrath. 
" Yes," he exclaimed, "on this very spot I took leave of him ; I said. Be- 
ware of a surprise. You know how the Indians fight us, I repeated ; 
Beware of a surprise. He went ofi' with this warning in his ears, and yet 
to suff"er the army to be butchered by a surprise, the very thing I guarded 
him against. Oh, God ! Oh, God !" He threw up his hand, and while 
his frame shook he exclaimed : " He is worse than a murderer. How can 
he answer it to his country ? The curse of widows and orphans is upon him." 
The president's private secretary, Tobias Lear, was present and remained' 
speechless till the paroxysm passed away. He was charged by the general 
never to divulge his display of temper, and that he was in a passion. Gen. 
Washington, however, was both generous and just, and St. Clair found in 
him a most faithful friend ; his case was investigated by a committee of the 
house of rcpiesentatives and he was honorably acquitted, having no court 
martial to try him. General Anthony Wayne was appointed to fill his 
place. Congress authorized an increase of the regular army to a little 
over five thousand men, and a part of it, the Legion, was assigned to him. 
For many years the Indians had been very troublesome on our north- 
western frontier, and were ever on " the old war path." The first 
settlers there were constantly armed; they always went to their work 
with their guns near them, and had sentinels posted also close by, on some 
high stump of a tree. All males capable of bearing arms, were ordered 
to carry them even while attending public worship. By neglecting some- 
times to obey this order, not a few men lost their lives. The consumma- 
tion of our Independence was not only a source of mortification to the 
government of Great Britain, and to the monarchists generally of the old 
continent, but to companies and to individuals engaged in the valuable 
fur trade of the new one. It was their policy. to throw every obstacle in 
the way of our prosperity ; and as one great step to further their object, 
they instigated the unfortunate Indians to lift the hatchet once more 
against us, and now unfortunately these " kings of the forest" had broken 
the " pipe of peace," and unearthed the buried weapon symbolical of 
hatred, and the Indian war assumed a serious aspect. Our two armies, 
under General Josiah Harmar and General Arthur St. Clair, had already 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 01 

fallen victims to the subtle fury of such implacable foes, and in the con- 
.«e(juetit coriGJenco inspired by success, their blood thirsty propensity 
knew no bounds. Almost every settler north of theOhio, and west ul' the 
Allei^hany. were either carried into captivity or cruelly murdered, for " the 
torch of war was kindlod." [n au;^mentitii; the army at this crisis, the 
wisdom of President \Vushin;;ton, most judiciously, directed him to the 
iiitre[iid Wayne, or " Mad Anthony " (a title jrained him for the im- 
petuosity exhibited duriiii; the old war for independence), as the proper 
officer to crush the j^rowin;; evil and to compel the savai^es to cease their 
depredations. He was destined in his victorious career to achieve peace 
and permanent security to a dreaded wilderness. It was, however, very 
difficult to enlist soldiers for that hazardous service, and now a new 
champion for his country's rii,'hts appears ou the military field. 

SoLO.MON, the fourth child of .Major (Jeneral Henry 11. Van Rensselaer 
and Alida Bradt, was born Aujrust 0, 1774, ht groin hosch orGreeubush, 
opposite Alb:iny, in what was subsequently called the old (jJenet mansion. 
lie inherited hi.s illustrious father's military disposition ; and in the 
year 171)-, before he was eighteen, told his sire, who was a man of posi- 
tion and influence, that he mii-^t ijo if only as a private soldier to join the 
army. (Jeneral Van Rensselaer obtained for his son a commission as 
cornet of dragoons iu the 4th lej:ion of cavalry, and he immediately en- 
tered upon duty as a recruiting officer at Albany, N. Y., as the principal 
rendezvous. His instructions say: " You will recruit for the service of 
the cavalry only. No foreij^ners are to be enlisted. None but active, 
healthy young men of good characters and n)orals are to bo engaged." 
The youthful cornet raised the new soldiers in his own county of Ren.sse- 
lacr, and with the most determined perseverance surmounted every annoy- 
ance incidental to the charge of raw recruits, ardently impelled to the 
duty by a noble love of country. With the sacred commission of Gen. 
Washington in his pocket, iu obedience to the secretary of war's direc- 
tions, he soon left the amenities and courtesies of life in his early home, 
and "joined General Anthony Wayne's expedition to the Maumee in the 
same battalion with (^tun. William II. Harrison, and before he w;is twenty 
was promoted to the command of a troop in 1794." It was under this 
eflScient soldier, Wayne, that the young putchman with his heart " full of 
courage, lion-like, afraid of none," commenced his military career. On 
their westward route our little corps of valiant (irecnbushers marched 
through a dense wilderness of several hundretl miles, far from succor, des- 
titute of comforts, constantly in danger of filling into an ambuscade, for 
the wily savages were concealed in the bushy ravines and engaged in 
many diabolical stratagems to entrap the unwary. They encountered 
many troubles, and had much toil on their perilous way, but in due time, 
withoutasiugle desertion, they reached thecautonment at Fort Washington. 

fft'iieral Henry Kiwx to Solomon V(tn RensHtlner. 

Sir, War department, March 15th, 1792. 

The i'rcsident of the United States by and with the advice and consent 

I the Senate has appointed you a Cornkt of a troop of Light Dragoons. 

You will please immediately to >ignify your acceptance or non-accept- 

iice of this appointment. In order that you may judge of the pay, rations 

and emoluments for the commissioned, and nou-commissioDcd Officers and 



92 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

privates in the Service of the United States, I enclose you the act of 
Congress relative to the military establishment. 

I am Sir, Your humble Servant. 




Cornet Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

The above warrant was received and the appointment accepted with 
joy. It was true also his enthusiastic feelinojs were greatly excited by the 
anxiety and continual alarm that harassed the people, for a dark and 
ominous cloud gathered over the colony and filled the inhabitants with 
alarm. The banner of hostility was again raised and the savages were 
preparing to go out upon the old war paths. As was said of another so 
of him : " The bud of the young cornet's life was just developing into 
the blossom of youth, and his plastic mind was continually impressed with 
words and deeds that left ineffaceable records of memory there, to be 
consulted in future years." And now the gveat question of his life work 
was decided. 

Oen. Knox to Captain Bodgers. 
Sir, ' War department, June 28, 1792. 

Your letter of the 15 instant is received. I enclose you a copy of my 
letter to you of the 15th inst. directing you to come forward to New 
Brunswick, in New Jersey, with all your recruits. This request I again 

" ■ I am Sir, Your humble Servant. 

n i • T J J- I. -D J H. Knox, Secy, of War. 

Captain J edediah Kodgers. ' *' 

Capt. Bodgers to Cornet Van Bensselaer. 
Dear Sir, 

I have this moment recev*' your Letter of this day's date by the trum- 
peter, also those from the department of War. I know of no circumstance 
that will prevent my embarking on Fryday at 12 o'clock. You be pleased 
to accomodate your business to that Hour. I wrote to Mr. Hale this 
morning informing him of the time, tomorrow morning will see you in 
Albany, be so kind as to ask Mr. Hale if the troops can be furnished with 

hard bre'd. t t^ o- -tr c?- i 

I am D'' Sir, Yours bincerely, 

n 4. a ^ it- u ^ JedIDIAH RoGERS. 

Cornet bolomon Van liensselaer. 

The captain was then in Troy ; but having been arrested, after orders 
for marching arrived from General Henry Knox, secretary of war, the 
command, consequently of the company, devolved upon the cornet. 

MarcJdng Orders. — General Knox to Captain Bodgers. 
Sir : War department, July 12th, 1792. 

Captain Mills is instructed to muster and inspect your recruits, and to 
place in your hands one Months pay for them. He will also deliver you 
four Months pay and three 31onths subsistence and forage for yourself, 
and four Months pay and three Months subsistence and forage for Cornet 
Van liensselaer, and a further sum of fifty dollars for the contingent ex- 
penses of your march. 




■^"9^^ SBMcntSins.i2yMm^t ^' 



cJ^ifl/foyuJi^^ ^ 



Legacy of Uistorical Gleanings. 93 

As soon as the clothinj^ arrives, and which is now on the road to New 
Uruiiswick, I request that alter clotliinj^ your men, you will immediately 
coiiiiuence your march, a;^reeably to tlio orders which are enclosed. 

You will apply to Mr. IJray to f'urni.sh you a wajrfron to transport the 
ba<;<raj:e of your detachiueiit from Brunswick to Trenton, where Mr. 
Hunt will accomodate you in the same manner to Readinji in Pennsylva- 
nia. At Kciitlini; James Collins, Kscjr, will procure you the means of 
transportation to Pittsburg. 

Let me hear from you by every opportunity while on the march. 
I am Sir, Your humble Servant, 

II. Knox, Secy, of \Var. 
("apt. Jedediah RodL'ors, Lii^ht Dra^'oons. 

Wateribrd, lU miles above Albany, State ol' New York. 

On the IGth of June, 1775. the day before the battle of IJunker's 
bill, a younj; American patriot, IIk.miy Knox, escaped from Hoston in 
disj;ui.se. lie was aecouipanied by his wife, and she had (juilted into the 
lininj; of her cloak a Iword, for which it was expected, there would be 
immediate u.se He made his way to the headrjuartcrs of the .\mcrican 
_>neral at CambridLie ; he was employed, and tluit sword was a busy one 
lor the next ei<:bt years. The commi.ssiou is decorated with the Ameri- 
can enLde boldinj: the olive branch io one talon, and a bundle of thirteen 
rrows in the other, while his beak holds a scroll with the motto A' 
I'lnrihut L'liiim, in the centre at the head of the parchment; with the 
_reat seal of the United States Board of War and Ordnance. 

'• George Wasiiincjton, President of the United States of Ame- 
rica. To all who shall see the.se Presents Gkeetino : 

K.NOW Ye, That reposin,"' special Trust and confidence in the Patriot- 
ism, Yalour, Fiilelity ami Abilities of Solomon Van Rensselaer, I 
have nonunated and by and with the .\dvice and Consent of the Senate, 
! > appoint him a Lieutknant of Lkjut Hraooons, in the Service of 
iie L'nitei) St.\te8 : To take Rank from the Ki<;hteenth of Se|)tember, 
lie thousand seven hundred & ninety-two. He is therefore carefully 
;iiid dili}:ently to di.sehari:e the Duty of IjIEUTENANT, by doini; and per- 
forniing all Manner of Thinjis thereunto belonf^inj;. And I do Strictly 
•liari;e and rc(|uire all Officers and Soldiers under his Command, to be 
■liedient to his Orders as LiEUTKNANT. And he is toobserve and Follow 
iich Orders and I)ireetions from time to time, as he shall receive Irora 
inc. or the future Prksident of the United States, or the General or 
other superior Officers set over him, accordiiii: to the Rules and Disci- 
jiline of War. This Commission to continue in Force duriiij; the Pleasure 
of the President of tln> United States for the Time being. 

(JiVEN under my Hand, at Philadelphia this Nineteenth day of March 
in the Year of our Lord One Tlumsanil Seven Hundred and Ninety Three 
and in the Seventeenth Y'ear of the Independence of the United States. 

G": Washington. 
Ity Command of the President of the United ) 
States of America. j 

n. Knox, Secretary of War. 



94 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Abstract of Sundries from the Quarter Master's Book. 
Invoice of Clothing remaining in Boxes No. 2 & 3 for Capt. Rogers. 
Box No. 2 . No. 3. 



10 Vests 9 Coats 1 Frock 
45 P' L. Breeches, 108 Shirts 
6 Linen overalls 16 P"" Stockings, 
8 Stocks 9 Valeeces 52 P-- Shoes. 



10 Caps, 

45 P^ Boots 11 Swords & Belts 9 

Slings 
10 Blankets. 



The Size Roll, being a Descriptive list of Recruits inlisted in the 
Company of Capt. Jedediah Rogers. Containing Names, Age, Size, in feet 
and inches, Complexion, Hair, Eyes, Trade, Where Enlisted, and for 
what number of years. What Town, What State was Born, What County 
and Town, in which he was Born. 

Place of Residence, What State, County and Town, Remarks. 

The oldest man of the troop was 32 years of age, and the youngest was 
19 years, the average age was 23. The recruits were enlisted for three 
years; each recruit received a bounty of eight dollars; each recruit was 
over five feet and five inches in height, without shogs, one was 5 feet lOJ 
inches. The clothing, arms and accoutrements were furnished the re- 
cruits; also with rations, barracks, barrack utensils, straw, fuel and such 
necesary medical assistance as they might require. 

Invoice of Equipments furnished Sergt. Major Breck. 

1 Cap, 1 Coat, 1 Stock, 1 Cloak, 1 P"^ Leather Breeches, 1 P"" Boots, 1 
P^ Shoes, 1 P"^ Boot Buckles, 1 P^ Spurs, 1 P-- Spur Leathers, 2 P'^ Stock- 
ings, 1 Valeece, 1 Saddle, 1 Bridle, 1 Halter, 1 Nose Bag, 1 P"" Pistols, 
1 Cartouch Box, 1 Stable frock, 1 Sword Belt & sling, 1 P'^ Brushes & 
Black Ball. 

Received the above articles. 

Fort Washington, December 10, 1792. *^- ^^^^K, S. Major. 

Fort Hamilton, May 11th, 1793. 
Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., One Cap, one Coat, 
one pair Leather Breeches, one Pair Linen Overalls, four shirts, two Pair 
Stockings, two Pr. Boots, two Pr. Shoes, one Pr. boot bucklers, one Stock, 
one clasp, one Stable frock, and one Pair Spurs for the use of a Sergeant 
Major in Capt. Henry Bowyer's Troop. ^ Covington, Lieut. KD. 

Fort Hamilton, May 16th, 1793. 
Receivad of Lieut. Vrfh Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., Eleven dozen pistol 
Cartridges for the use of a detachment of Dragoons for Command. 

Geo. H. Dunn, Cornet, L.D. 

Hobsou's Choice,! June 1st, 1793. 
Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., Ten Swords and 
Scabbards for the use of my Troop. 

Robert Ms. Campbell, Capt. 2nd T.L.D. 

Hobson's Choice, June 1st, 1793. 
Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. I)., Thirty-six horse 
brushes and thirty-six main Combs for the use of Capt. Winston's Troop. 

J. Webb, Jr., Cornet L. Dragoons. 

' The low ffrouncls near Fort Washington. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 95 

Hobson's Choice, June 6th, 1703. 

Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Q. .ML. I)., One (juire of writinj; 

jiaper, lialf a paper of ink pnwilcr. five (juilLs, half a b«)X of wafer.-*, four 

jjook.s of Raroci Stubens Military Instructions and one orderly book for 

the iiM- iif my Troon. iir » t /i » -i ^ m t t\ 

•^ * W. A. Lke, Capt. Lst. Troop, L.I). 

Hob.son's Choice, June 11th, 1793. 
Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer ten pounds Rrimstone. five pound.s 
.Vntiniony, two pounds salt-petrc, ten pounds Castiel Soap, five pounds 
(•(ippera.<<, ten pounds tobacco, ten pounds bees-wax, twenty pounds hog's 
lard, ten yards tick lint; burj^h, i'our <:allons tar, twelve I'athoui rope and 
one old camp kettle lor the use of the Squadron under ujy command. 

R. Ms. Campbell, Capt. Coniiuan. L. Dragoons. 

In the summer of 1793, General Wayne tried to treat \vith the In- 
ijians, and Fort Massac was built under him, to prevent an expedition 
:i_ainst New Orleans, which Citizen (lenet was planning. Gen. Wayne 

• ul out, in succession. Colonel Hardin, and Major Trueman with a flag 
' t' truce, medals, talks and presents to the Indians in order to make a 
peace with them. These messengers of peace were killed in succession, 
as soon as they arrived among the savages. Their medals, and speeches, 
sent by them, and all they had with them, were taken by the Indians 
who slew the bearers of them. These uieilals were made at the expense 

f a gentleman t)f Philadelphia, aiul by him sent as a token of General 
Washington's friend.'«hip to the Indians. Every other effort was made by 
Cieneral Wayne, that summer, to bring about a peace with the savages, 
but all in vain, and worse than in vain. Rut notwithstanding all the 
efforts to make a peace, yet, notliing was omitted that could be done, to 
jirepare for a vigorous war a<:ainst them. Notwithstanding all theeffort.s 
of General Washington, in favor of this bleeding frontier, congress and 
the nation were too much engaged with other objects to bestow much 
attention on this war in the distant far West. The French revolution 
had turned the heads of many members of congress towards that dazzling 
object and at this time Genet was busily engaged in his endeavors to 
draw our nation into the vortex of European politics. His ' filibustering 
exjieditiou ' on an extended scale, against tlie Spanish dominions, the 
object being no less than the seizure of Florida and New Orleans was a 
failure, but not, until his schemes of conquest had produced annoying 
effects upon the national government. Early in this year (ieneral Wash- 
ington, ill ccinpany with Colonel Timothy Pickering, made a tour to the 
Indians of Western New York. This visit was made to conciliate those 
-.ivages, and to prevent their joining in the war, with the IJritish Indians, 
as they had done all along before this period. Many New York Indians 
were present at St. Clair's defeat, and some fought against Gen. Wayne. 

Received at Fort Hamilton, July 20th 170.*}, of Lieut. Van Rensselaer 
late Qr. Master L. I), one pair of boots for my own use. 

Hekcules W HALEY, Sergt. 4th Troop. 

Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer. Q. M. L. D. Six Setts of Horse 
Shoes for the use of a detachment of Light Dragoons under my Command. 

Jon. Taylor, Lieut, of L. D. 
Fort Hamilton, July 24th, 1793. 



96 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Received at Fort Hamilton, October 9th, 1793, of Captain Van Rensse- 
laer four Saddles and four pistols complete, which I promise to deliver 
him when called for. F. Salander, Asst. Qr. Master. 

Greene Ville, October 29th 1793. 
Received of Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer Seven pounds. Seven 
Shillings & Eight pence in full on Troop Account. a cj t. n 

Received of Captain Van Rensselaer five pack Horses and three pack 
Saddles which I am to Deliver to Captain Benhem, from whom they were 
received. Daniel Torrey, Cornet & Q. Mr. L. D. 

Nov. 1st, 1793. 

Received of Cornet John Posey, One Damaged Horseman's Tent. 

Robert Lee, Pay & Qr. Master of the 4th Sub Legion. 
Camp 11th November, 1793. 

The " Fort Hamilton " was built by General Arthur St Clair, governor 
of the North Western Territory. On the 17th day of September, 1791, 
the army left Fort Washington, and cut a road through the wilderness, 
to where Hamilton now stands. Here a fort was erected, and called Fort 
Hamilton. It was on the east bank of the Great Miami river, about 
twenty miles within the present limits of this state. 

Capt. B. Ms. Campbell to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

My Dear Rensselaer, Fort Washington, Jany 29th, 1794. 

Here I am and shall be untill tomorrow, when I shall set out with Genl. 
Wilkinson for Greenville, in a sleigh. There is a fine Snow on the ground. 
There is no great news here to inform you of. My family connections all 
broke up, tho' the Dulcinia is still on the ground. I am anxious to Return 
to Camp, I fear I shall not be able to see you so soon as I contemplated. I 
fear Capt. Lee's Tryal will be Tedious But I shall press my Return as 
soon as possible. I am to take on the army papers to Head Quarters. I 
hope I shall be able to Bring on Some Money for the Corps. Let me 
hear from you by Every opportunity. Make my compliments to the gen- 
tlemen of the Corps, tell Po.sey I shall write him from Head Quarters, 
and that he must not be oifended at the fatherly Liberty I have taken in , 
my Severe letter to him, if he finds himself able to Read it. I love the | 
young man for his amiable Disposition, therefore cannot Refrain from \ 
giving my advice. I wish to have something to Say with Posey before i 
he accepts finally of the Stafi" appointment he is about to have Conferred, 
on him. What a pitty it is that all men are Born to be Slaves, but as! 
this misfortune pervades the universe of Mankind, be my situation what- 
soever it may, I am determined to possess a happy mind; that's enough 
for me or for any soldier. Indeed it's victuals, drink and clothing to allj 
men who possess it, give me health of Body, Peace of Mind, a Prettyi 
Girl, a clean shirt, and a Guinea, and I'm Rich and happy. Now's thai 
time my Dear Rensselaer to look forward to great and Brilliant actions in! 
the East, it is now said that a War with Great Britain is inevitable,' 
though not actually declared. I am my Dear Rensselaer your friend &c.* 

Capt. Sol. V. Rensselaer of ^ 

Dragons. 
Bellipherontia, Kentucky. 




■TYVDi' 




Pri;sident of the United States of America. 

(^O a// u'/^ .i/ti// ^r //fJg Wi^^nCi (S)rccfint]l : 

/a /out, "^u/r/tVy ati^ ^/(/(Yud <V' jjolomotl Van ^CttS.SClafr, J'^ /ac^ tiomtfialf(/ 
itut /^y atia weM /ne ^J^av(ce atui (oo*uign^ rf /ne ,j€na/r, (/o <i/i/ic(n/ //m ft 
Ca/jtaiti tn Sf/uiidroTi r/ Light Dvd goons, m Me S'eti't'cg c///i€ Hlttitftl ,ii^tUtC]Si: 
^ /<ine tatifi /"ni //e C^t'^n/e&nM rf fti/y, G/*te /Ar.uJana a^fen /ufif/iM fy 
:u'H€/u-/niM '-^^^ '<* ^neif^>4e eatf/tt/ey afuf ai/facn/ey /c aoieAatye /Ag ^t//» 

'^ Cdfttdin — fiy artfiy (inr/ /tfi/<:-i/tnn</ a// i^fantiet ff ^nt/i/i:^ //tfifun/o vrif'tiytHy. 
^tiif ,Jr </c. t^/i/c/Zy c/aiye ana 4fynOt: a// Cfy/ci!it4 aua Cffffif'fi'i uneu^ /t4 
f/tafia, /o /r o/gf/*'&M/ /r- AM C/ifAi>i a.i Cil/)t(tin. ,jy//f/ /r fj /c cCJ<'4v€ ati</ 

''W4ucA ^ Vc/^/j afifi LZ'fiec/tfn4 j/icot /tme /r- //m<, ad //^ d/ta// ^fc<:if'€ fiont //*< . 
':* //if /u/u4f i*VC.!iillcnt y/V/r HUutfrt !§tatC.a y^^mCVica, <:/ //^ 'Z^enfta/a o//r( 
»^*'Uol C fficftj J*"/ c(Jr4 /an, accf-if/aiy /o //g '<iyii;u/'4 <uif/ Ll (Mfftu'tir r/ /f'ai 

J J^rtnfnfMfcn /o c< n/t*n/f f/t ^cicf au4f'tiy //<; ty/aiiufe cf /ne lirif^ftu ti/ f/ 
w TfmVfa C//a/€4 fot //^ uX///*' /r/fty. 

C3ibtn <ttu/:f tny t^ana, a/ cr/</a(/oi/f€t, ///j . A'fj/ 
'/AHtericti, t fMy rf Jfu/y, f'n //e ^<rai rf out Jzxita C^t*€ %ynru4aHf/ 

'<t»c//^ Crt'c/<4('fiy, Shaven ^^uftt/lt</ attf/ tuiie/y/te, ant/ tn //e .Wt'nf- 

/ern// t^ai c///e u^nt/Zt^ntKuce o/Z/e Cc'ntYet/ Cf/a/t-, 



*=K ., 




m 

tratc 



Legacy of IIistouical Gleanings. 97 

General Wiiyiie had been employed in endeavoring to make peace, and 
prepurin;; for war and now fimnd the ycanon too tar advanced to peiie- 
....tc into the lioart of tlie Indian country, lie tlicreforo collected his 
army and estahlished a camp at Fort (Irccnvillo (the site ol' the present 
villa^'c ofGret-'nYiile in Ohi(») an<l fortified it. Ilaviim made this encamp- 
ment and wintered in it, early in the next sprinj; of \7\H, he marched to 
the ijround where Gen. St, Clair had been defeated. Novemlier 4, 17'JI, 
where he erected a fortification, and called it Fort Ilecovery. 

We copy a few of the letters from brother officers found amonj; my 
father's puckaj^e of correspondence. 

Lieut. l\irn«r to Oipt. Van RtnnuUter. 

I»i;ir \'an, Greenville, Feb. 7, 1794, 

I will thank you in case you have not sold my Horse, not to do it, as it 
is probable wo may make an expedition shortly, when he will be of service 
to me. If you can swap him and obtain a better, by i^ivin;; Ten or 12 
Dollars to Hoot I should like it. Hy selling; him for his worth and pur- 
chasing; one about 45 or ;')() Hollars that is e<ju il to thit aint., I would 
not object, at any rate bring him or another when you are Ordered on. 
If when you move this Way, you can without discommoding yourself 
bring me either Butter, Sugar, Whiskey or any otlier articles you may 
suppose would be acceptable, at a reasonable rate, which 1 understatid can 
be procured among you at said rate, your humble Servt, will remember 
you and pay the Interest with thanks. Nothing New. 

Yours, Edw" D, Tur,nkr. 

Have your Troop in good order or I shall give you larry ! 

T n ^ a \T M I t' * I . ^. v. VisSCIIER. 

lo Capt. b. Van Kensselaer, Kentucky. > 

Capt. Turner to Capt. Vmi liinHKclncr. 
Dear Van : Fort Washington, March 30. 1794. 

I must trouble you to send my Horse by the Hearer, should Hillie not 
have left before this reaches you and you can persuade him to take him 
under his charge, I shouhl prefer it. as the man who hands you this will 
have the charge of 2 or 3 others and consequently cannot take that care 
ol him I could wish. I have nothing Material to inform you of except 
an express we are told is on the way from the War Office. We are fre- 
quently threatened with a forward move and as frecjuently disappointed 
•' to (III or not to do " seems to be the (juestion, and I am affraid the old 
Gentleman is himself at a loss to determine. Present appearances I fear 
bode no good to the Army, what the final Issue fif the long deliberations 
of Congress will amount to is only conjecture, the knowing ones say, the 
Army will be called back to the Hiver, so or not so, is indifferent to me. 
I suppose the 12 Dollars was a sufficient Sum to carry my horse thro' 
the Winter. Your Friend and Servant, 

Capt. S. Van llen-s-selaer, Kentucky. Kuwakd D. 'Iuu.nkk. 

" The clima'e of Kentucky was healthy and delightful, the extremes of 
heat ayd cold were not experienced. The winter, which begins about 
Christmas, is never longer than three months, and is so mild that cattle 
can subsist without fodder. The plains are covered with grass and afford 
good pasturage." 

13 



98 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

General Washington was beset on all sides and the opposition to the 
present constitution laid hold of everything within their reach to render 
the president unpopular. They pretended to fear so large a standing 
army of five thousand four hundred men ! The efforts of Citizen Genet 
and other considerations operated on the mind of Gen. Washington to 
make this a very trying period to him. " The difficulties of transporta- 
tion in these gloomy times are almost inconceivable. The roads were 
wretched, with many swamps ; the pack-horses sank to their knees, and 
wagon-wheels to their hub in mud." 

Received at Belepherontia, April 20th, 1794, of Capt. Van Rensselaer 
six pounds, twelve Shillings & nine pence in full for keeping one black 

horse 4 weeks @ 6s £1.4.0 

To keeping 1 horse 15 weeks, 4.10.0 

To 23 bus. Oats 0.18.9 



iE6.12.9 
N. Shaw, Asst : Quarter Master. 

Fort Washington, May 3rd, 1794. 

Received about the 6th April, of a Mr. Sanders a Sorrel horse belonging 

to the Sorrel Troop commanded by Captain Van Rensselaer, Totally unfit 

for any kind of service and which was sold at vendue on the 26th April. 

Jno. Belli D. Q. M. G. 

Green Ville, July 17, 1794. Received of Capt. Van Rensselaer, five 
Dragoon Horses, unfit for Service, also one Pack Horse. 

John Posey, Cornet & Qr. Mr. T. Light Dragoon. 

Received Greenville, July 25th, 1794, of Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer 
fifteen pounds, four Shillings and two pence, in full to this date, being a 
balance due on His Mess account with Cornet Torry and Cornet Posey, 
also three Dollars in full for an order drawn in favor of Will. Gorman, a 
Private in Captain W. A. Lee's Troop. Jas. Macconnel. 

Received at Greenville, July 25, 1794, of Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer 
payment in full of his account of Sundries, £22.5.8. 0. Ormsby. 

Green Ville, 25 July, 1794. Received from Captain Van Rensselaer 
of the 4th Sub Legion, Three privates Shirts, two pairs of Linen Over- 
halls, Three pairs of Boots. 

Jonathan Taylor, Lieut. Pay & Qr. Mr. of 4th Sub Legion. 

Received of Captain S. Van Rensselaer two Dragoon horses on August 
4, 1794. R. Benham, Capt. Troop, L.D. 

Lieut. Nanning I. VisscJier to Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Van MunicJchoitsen: Cincinnati, 6th April, 1794. 

Your Letter of the 2d Inst, was handed to me yesterday, by a Dragoon. 
I am surprised that my Letter of the 20th Ult. (sent by Cap. Earnest) 
had not reached you at that time, in which I requested you to se|id my 
Horse to this place. I do not mean that you shou'd send him in the Let- 
ter, I only wish'd you to forward him to this place by the first opportunity. 
I think a Band-box wou'd be a convenient piece of Furniture to put him 
in. You doubtless must have rec'd mine by Cap. Ernest before this, 



Legacy op IIistorical Gleaninqs. 99 

since which, T have written you by a Soldier who was directed to bring 
a few of the Paymaster's horses tn this place, viz Tuniers, Lee's and my 
own. I expect to see him moii#htly. I have nothing very new for you, 
save that we have taken quarters at Munson's Tavern, where we live ia 
(Clover, and even this, I expect is not better liviii!^ than your Horses have, 
but we poor Infantry boys are j;lad to take up with this, and think wo 
are up till mnosl any capers. Wo shall leave this fur Head Quarters in 
about six days ; on, or beftjro which time, I or<ler that you will now repair 
to this place with your Troop of Snorters, for the express pur|)osc of escort- 
in*; ine to that place. I close with this my order to you, and request that 
you'll write me on the rec't. Dear Munic, Yrs. etc., »» t ir 

•' ' ' N. I. VlS-SCIIER. 

Cap. Van Rensselaer, Hellipherontia, Kentucky. 

While the troop was quartered at this place for purpose of orj^anization 
and drillinvc, the officer-like deportment of Capt. Van Rensselaer ;;ained 
the faviirable notice of his superiors and paved his way to promotion. 

ThouL^h extremoly ri^id as a disciplinarian he was ever attentive to the 
wants of his soldiers and an unbeiidin:; supporter of their rii^hts. Thus 
he Lrained their respect, confidence and ;;ood will, but it led him some- 
times to unpleasant dilemmas with others. Upon one occa.sion ho stopped 
two of his troop who had been ordered off by an officer, contrary to instruc- 
tions from head quarters, upon express duty. A threat of arrest was 
thrown out for the act, but he lauijhed at it and defied. It was not carried 
into execution, nor was any attempt afterwards imnle to force either his 
men or his horses upon this injurious service ; consccjuently he was ena- 
bled to keep them in admirable condition for any sudden emer^^ency. 
There wore four troops of drai^oons attached to the army, the sorrels, the 
greys, the chestnuts, and the biys, ami because this kind of force had 
never been used against the Indians, it was hoped that they would prove 
very efficient in the contemplated action which occurred on August 20, 
1794. To this end, care was taken to exercise them upon every description 
^A' service, whether cleared or wooded, broken or smooth, and they were 
taught never to consider any obstacle impossible without a fair trial. 
The youthful olficer was very energetic in the instruction of his men, and 
encouraged them in all things appertaining to their vocation. 

An anecdote w;is frequently related, to elucidate the proficiency of 
Capt. Van Rensselaer's wrrd troop in this particular, with great gusto 
i)y (Jen. Wilkin.son in more recent times. Once when the troop was 
parading near his quarters on the Wabxsh river. General Wilkin.son, 
wishing to test the nieUil of his youtliful officer, waited till they were 
facing a stone wall which surrounded his fine garden, and then <:ave the 
order " chittyr" .' Supposini;, of course, that they necessarily would stop at 
the high inclosure ; but far from it. Capt. SobunDu dapped the spurs to his 
finely strung horse that stooti with his neck proudly arched, his immense 
iio>itril dilated, his teeth impatiently chanipod the heavy cavalry bit and 
with a flying leap, the result of a muscular energy that would unseat a 
careless riiler, handsomely cleared the stone wall followed by all of his cav- 
alry ; .some had struck it down but all scampered over the fine vegetables 
iemolishing every thing in their progress. Having prompted this ruinous 
res'ill to the fruita of a summer's industry and cjire, by his own mandate, 
the general stifled his feelings, bore the utter destruction of his garden 
with great C({uanimity, and with the gravity of a stoic brought the mischief- 
makers back to their original stand. Though as an offset for the spoiling 



100 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

of his cherished garden, after a few more manoeuvres, when they were 
facing- the river, again came the order, " chafge" ! At the word of com- 
mand, under full speed in a sweeping gallop, the dauntless captain with 
his well disciplined troop dashed down the steep bank into the river and 
plunged headlong in the deep water before they could be countermanded. 
Unmoved by danger the nerve and bearing of the leader inspired courage. 
If the chagrin of the general had been great before, it all evaporated now 
in apprehension for the safety of the obedient, reckless troop. He watched 
their motions in silent agony. One of them, a cornet, he saw separated 
from his own steed, in imminent danger of being killed by the struggles of 
other ones, but grappled in time and taken in tow by the vigilant captain, 
whose cheering voice was heard now and then above the uproar, all the 
gallant fellows ascended the opposite bank in triumph, then General 
Wilkinson felt as if released from the burden of Atlas. He expressed 
himself quite satisfied with the result, and never afterwards thought it 
expedient to try any more experiments with that troop, and from that time 
they were his particular favorites. 

General Wayne was not idle, but urged forward all his measures vigor- 
ously, prudently, and in the end effectually. The reiterated attempts 
which had been made to effect a pacification with the Indians, had issued 
only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of 
the tribes, with whom we were at war. The only basis they would allow 
to the proposed armistice, was, that the United States should withdraw 
their troops from the western side of the Ohio river. Nothing could be 
more explicit, than this ultimatum of the Indians. Their sine qua non, 
was the Ohio for the boundary. To this proposition, the commissioners 
would never assent, and they accordingly wrote to the chiefs and warriors 
of the council, at the rapids of the Miami, on the 13th day of August, 
1793, that, " the negotiation was at an end.'^ The council fire was then 
put out. 

General Wayne was compelled to wait until late in the summer of 
1794 before he felt strong enough to move forward. Meantime the 
Indians appeared in force. On the 30th of June, about a thousand of 
them, accompanied by a number of British soldiers and French Canadian 
volunteers, made their appearance before Fort Ilecovery(so called in com- 
memoration of the fact that they had recovered the territory lost by 
St Clair, as well as all but one of the cannon which he was compelled to 
leave behind), and during the day assailed the garrison several times. 
During these assaults the Americans lost fifty-seven men in killed, 
wounded and missing and two hundred and twenty-one horses. The In- 
dians lost more than in their battle with St Clair. Less than a month 
after this engagement, Wayne moved forward with his whole force 
toward the IMaumee. Admonished by the fate of St Clair, he marched 
cautiously and slowly, so slowly and stealthily that the Indians called him 
the Blacksnake. Little Turtle was again upon the alert, with two thou- 
sand warriors of his own, and neighboring tribes within call. The 
vigilant Wayne well knew this. He had faithful and competent scouts 
and guides, and by unfrequented ways and with perplexing feints, he 
moved steadily onward, leaving strength and security in his rear. At 
Fort Recovery a company of artillery and also of riflemen were left there 
as a garrison under the command of Lieut N. I. Visscher. On the 8th 
of August Gen. Wayne with his army reached the mouth of the Auglaize, 
a tributary of the Maumee, forty-five miles or more below Fort Wayne. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 101 

Here, in (he forks of tlit'!<c rivers, he erected a strong military work, 
Four I'KFIANCE it was culled. 

Licui. N. I. Vunc/ter to C'ipt. \iin Iitn$iiiUi€r. 

Dear ^'an, Fort Uecovery Au;,'ust 1 1704. 

This letter yoii'll receive by a Militia iiiaii who i.s un his way to Head- 
quarters (with dis'patchcs) where he'll arrive this eveniiij; ; should there 
be any letters for uie from homo, I wish you to forwanl theui by the first 
opportunity, and to inform me whether you have yet had an opportunity 
ofslashin*; with temporary advanta-res ; if not, I hope you soon may, and 
that you may even be honorubly killed 1 1 To hear of your death wou'd 
be atjood story for me tocarry home, and wou'd so well please all your friends ! 
Remember me for the last time to Tilton, Turner, Andrews, and a few 
other youn^ fellows should they be livin;^ when you receive this, that 
however is very improbable. Kxcuse this scrawl the bearer await.s. 

Yours N. 1. \'isticiiER. 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Head Quarters. 

General Wayne fully infornietl hiujself of the stren;;th of the enemy who 
wanted war, not peace, and havint; been joined by Major (leneral Scott, 
on .July li7th,with eleven hundred well mounted men. whom he had with 
him from Kentucky, he left Fort l>etiance, on the liith day of Auj^ust, 
and at once marched down the Maumee, his riL'ht bein<; covered by tho 
river. On the I'Jth he was at the head of the rapids erecting some tem- 
porary works to protect nis bagi;age, and to reconnoitre the enemy among 
whom were many New York Indians. He found the Indians advan- 
tageously posted in front of the IJritish fort on the .Maumee, at the foot of 
the rapids, to whom he again, at this time, showed great forbearance, and 
sent ofleis of peace. 

Jjittle Turtle counseled for peace, but his sagacious advice was rejected 
by his party and the vigilant Wayne soon perceived a conflict was una- 
voidable. 'J'he new works constructed at the head of the rapids was 
called Flirt Peposit. and here on the I'Jth, Wayne called a council of war, 
and adopted a pl.in ot niarch an<l «)f battle submitted bv his young aid-de- 
camp. Lieutenant William II. Harrison. The army bcini; now considered 
in good lighting condition, (Jeneral Wayne issued orders tor marching 
against the . enemy, wiio by this time had collected in large force near 
the .Miami river on one of those iireat icinJ/al/s so common to tho north- 
ern wilds of Ohio. On the litJth of August, 1794, at eight o'clock iu the 
morning, the army advanced in columns ; the legion along the bank of 
the Maumee. The infantry under Major Frice advanced under quick 
time directly in Iront of the windfall, thus marching forward five miles, 
they were met by a most deadly tire from the concealed foe, who were 
soon driven from their lurking jdaces at the point of the bayonet to tho 
open woods. Here they were attacked on eaeli flank by tho dni^^oon.s, 
who had been divided in two separate detachments. The enemy could 
not have been better protected, than they were, from such a mounted 
force as Wayne's. This prostrated forest extended five miles west of the 
river, and behind the I'allen trees the Indians lay in three lines; tho 
larjjre number of broken branches cau.sed by a tornado rendered the ope- 
rations of the cavalry very ditficult. The iustonishment of the Jni.>*guided 
Indians at the execution done by the Lomj-kuit'is as they styled the dra- 
goons, is scarcely couceivablc. Although they fought like desperadoes 



102 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

they were obliged to. yield to the superior prowess of the novel force which 
pressed the euemy so closely as not to give him time to reload his guns. 
The strong adversary was broken, routed and slain, or driven two miles, 
in one hour, through this windfall and thicket, until they were within 
pistol shot of the British garrison. Their killed and wounded and that 
of their painted Canadian allies in this last great battle in the north 
against the United States was immense ; but our loss was almost equally 
great, particularly in officers. Of the four dragoon captains, only one 
left the field unhurt. This campaign tranquilized the whole Indian fron- 
tier from Florida to the northern lakes. The Indians were just on the 
point of making one general war, when this timely, great and decisive 
victory saved the United States from it, as all the natives who lived any 
where near our frontier lines, between us and Canada and between us and 
Spain were pledged to unite in concerted action against our nation. 

It was in this notable battle at the foot of the rapids of the Miami or 
Maumee on August 20, 1794, as a boy of twenty summers that Captain 
Van Ilensselaer particularly signalized himself at the head of his cavalry, 
in one of the most brilliant and effective charges ever made against the 
savages of that region. While in the midst of hard fighting, he saw by 
the manojuvering that the enemy was trying to turn our left flank, the 
order was given to " charge," and in that terrible battle, while in the act 
of cutting down an Indian who was aiming at the troop from behind a 
tree, he was shot through the lungs, being struck in the center of the 
breast-bone by a rifle bullet which passed out tr|insversely near the right 
shoulder. But with the blood rushing from his breast, mouth and nose, 
maugre the dangerous wound, refused to be dismounted from his charger, 
but maintained his seat in his saddle until the enemy were effectually 
routed, when, and not till then, would he consent to be lifted off. Greneral 
Wilkinson found " the youthful soldier," after the action, sitting against 
a tree, " smiling with complacency while the blood was oozing from his 
lungs." The wound was at first considered by the surgeons to be mortal, 
but youthful vigor and a fine constitution enabled him to resist the effects 
of the wound and recover his health. An order for the battle, stained 
with the blood of the gallant soldier, was found in his breast coat-pocket 
and is still preserved as a precious relic. Captain Robert Ms. Campbell 
of the cavalry, in that action was wounded in the same manner, in the 
first charge. He bequeathed his sword to my father and it is among his 
effects in the old domicile. 

An Extract from the will of Capt. Robert Ms. Campbell. 

" Green Ville, July 25th, 1794. 
* * * " My Silver Hilted Sword I give to my beloved friend Capt. 
Soln. Van Rensselaer in confidence that he will never disgrace it, this 
Sword and Belt is at Mr. Hunts." 

At the close of the action, two litters were brought out for the convey- 
ance of the two similarly wounded captains back to Fort Deposit, into 
one of which Capt. Campbell was placed ; but Capt. Van Rensselaer re- 
fused to be laid on a litter to go from a victorious battlefield. Genl. 
Wayne said, " You young dog ! how then are you going ? " "I am an 
officer of the cavalry, and shall go on horseback," was the reply. " You 
will drop by the way." " If I do, just cover me up and let me lie there," 
was the unflinching response of the brave soldier. At his solicitation, he 
was mounted on his own charger, and one of his dragoons on either side 



Leqacy of Historical QLEANnfos. 103 

supported the suffering officer on the horse. As the army moved those 
five or eix milof< at a slow pace, the ^'cntle action on his systeui. wliile 
going up and down hill was very beneficial, and the blood or pus was by 
the motion thrown up. Thus that decided refusal to disnioust saved hi.s 
life, a.s the blood was prevented from congealing. The best surgeons in 
the army attended him ; we have their certificates regarding his dangerous 
wound, and it was a matter of surprise to them that ho ever recovered. 
Neither of these gentlemen believed, on the day of the battle, that ho 
could survive, still each exerted himself to afford what relief mi;;ht be 
given to the yoiitiifiil captain ; and each said, alter his recovery, that not 
one of a thousand lived after such wounds. They attributed it entirely 
to his upright position, which facilitated the escape itf the putrefying 
blood, and the action imparted by the motion of the horse which kept his 
Wound ift a cleanly state, (leneral Wayne directed his aid, the noble 
Harrison, my father's early friend, to have him carried to the command- 
er's own tent, where the poor invalid was nursed as a son by the kind 
L'oncral and his friends. Although Capt. Van llcnsselaer was actually 
.-ensible of the effects of this severe wound to his last day. yet, he was 
enajjled within a few months to proceed homeward, and at the expiration 
of two years to report himself again fit for duty. Poor Captain Campbell 
had not sufficient strength to rally, the blood clogged on his breast and 
ho " pa.ssed away," on the route, from suffocation. Some years after, 
when Dr. .John F. Carmichael, surgeon of U. S. troops, was on a vi.sit at 
our house, my father had ordered a new pair of boots which were brought 
home; trying them on, and fimling theui too tltjht, he dummtl the boots. 
My mother reproved him for so doing, when I)r. Carmichael, who was in 
an adjoining room called out; "Oh I my dear madam, do not censure 
your husband for using that word, it once saved his life." He then re- 
lated, that when he in company with the other surgeons, I)r. Scott and 
Hr. Heyward. came to Captain Van Rensselaer, after the terrific battle 
of August 2Utli, they all thought him dead, fie had, however, fainted 
from loss of blood ; the handling of him, roused him to consciousness, 
dust then one of them remarked, " this poor fellow is too far gone, no 
use attending to him," and were pa.ssing on to the other sufferers, when 
a " (fantn you dnss me," startled them, and they quickly decided, that 
such a plucky one who had so much energy, should be cared for and 
have a chiHice of lil'e. Little Turtle, the distinguished .^Iiami chief, 
who led the Indian forecj, a few years subscfjuent to those stirring scenes, 
told the late IJarent Sanders t>f Albany, then a merchant at Detroit, when 
conversing of that battle and Captain \'an Kensselaer, " The little fellow 
had given him so much trouble, that he ordered a dozen of his hravcs to 
watch for him and shoot him down ; but he was t(K) active for them, they 
coultl not harm him till just at the close of the action." (General Wilkin- 
son in his M'Dioira says: "This high miixled citizen, soldier and honora- 
ble man, made his noviciate in arms nmler my orders, as a cornet of 
dragi>otis, and at the tender age was distinguished n>r his coolness and 
intrepidity in action. His father had served as a lieutenant colonel in 
the revolutionary war, and fought and bled for his country in the affair 
near Fort Ann. against the Uth IJritish regiment of infantry in 1777; he 
had transfused his spirit and patriotism into his son, who in my presence, 
during the campaign of 1794, fmight with $aui/ froid, and bled with 
complacency. Uising by regular promotion to a troop, he was particu- 
larly noticed by (jeueral Washington, and rai.sed to the command of a 



104 Legacy of IIistokical Gleanings. 

squadron. The friendships of those days were pure and distinterested ; 
and no small portion of the true and ancient friendships was ever pre- 
served not only by the old settlers but their posterity." 

Capt. Van Bensselaer to Lieut. VisscJier. 

i\T J T7- i\T • 1 u Fort Deposit, Auor. 22, 1794. 

My dear Van Munickhousen. i' ; o > 

Your letter of the 1st Inst., was handed me by a Militia man; there 
were no letters with the dispatches for Headquarters for you or me from 
our friends at Albany. I have been at a place where I might have 
slashed with temporary advantages, had not a Kifle Ball from an Indian 
of the " Charley's " slashed through my lungs on the 20th Inst. The 
wound is considered very dangerous by the fc^urgeons, but has not taken 
away appetite or Spirits, nor shall it till the last moment. If you write 
home don't make my friends at all uneasy by letting them know that I 
am in danger until there is a certainty of its proving my dissolution ; and 
even then I do hope they will not repine at my lot, as I will die in the 
arms of victory and in a glorious cause. The gallant Campbell is no 
more; perhaps I shall soon lay with him in the grave. 

My aged Parents will grieve. Adieu, Adieu my dear Visscher, may 

you be well and happy is the wish (and perhaps the last one) of your 

sincere friend o -it- t) 

Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

For Lieut. Nanning I. Visscher, at Fort Recovery. 

The germ of discipline unfolded, and the laboring mind is shown in 
the delieate^manner in which the suffering soldier speaks of his services, 
and most zealous in doing justice to the merits of others. General Wayne 
who was well inured to hardships was so ill, two days before the engage- 
ment, that it took four men to mount and dismount him, yet the brave 
old warrior fought that wonderful battle with all his usual energetic 
boldness, but received no thanks. 

Having thoroughly accomplished his work. General Wayne returned 
with his army to Fort Defiance, while the Indians, utterly defeated and 
disheartened, retired to the borders of Maumee bay, in the vicinity of 
Toledo, to brood over their misfortunes and ponder upon the future. 
On the opening of the next session of congress. General Washington in 
his speech, before congress, mentioned Wayne's operations with well 
merited applause, but congress in their reply, refused even to allude to 
them and no mention wa« made of Wayne, nor of his meritorious services 
by that body. Next summer Wayne held a council with all the Indians 
living in this territory, and on the third day of August 1795, at Green- 
ville, he purchased all the territory, not before ceded, within certain limits, 
comprehending in all, about four fifths of the present state of Ohio. The 
line is called to this day, the Greenville line. 

After all these great, splendid and meritorious services of General 
Wayne, congress took no notice of him. On his way home, in Pennsyl- 
vania, he was seized with the gout, and died at a wretched hovel of an 
inn, in the then paltry village of Presque Isle, in December, 179G, aged 
fifty-one years. He was buried, at his own request, under the flag-stafi" 
of the Ibrt, on the shore of Lake Erie, without a stone to mark the spot. 
Years afterwards, in 1809, his son Colonel Isaac Wayne accompanied by 
a few of his old friends and neighbors conveyed his bones to the place of 
his nativity; in the Radnor church-yard in Delaware county. The Penn- 



Legacy of Uistorical Gleanings. 105 

sylvania State Society of the Cincinnati erected over his remaiua a hand- 
8OIU0 monuuieut of white murblu un July 4th, 18U0. 

Cnpt. Van Rcmueltur to General Wayne. 

My Dear Gen' : Fort Defiance, Auj^ust 27th, 171U. 

Kroiu the information of my Physician, and from my own lt'elin;^s, I 
find my wuiiiid uf such a nature us will debar me lor some time of being 
any bctietit to the Service of my Country. 

Therefore as there is an opportunity of an Kscort, I hej; leave to request 

your Kxeellency's permi>sion lor leave of absence till the return ol my 

health, at which time 1 shall be extremely happy to exoeutu auy Com- 

uiandd your Kxcellency pleases to give. 

1 am with the highest Hespect and Ksteem 

Your Excellency's Most Obt. & Hum' St. 

n \ K .\ w SoLo.Mo.N Van Ue.nsselaer. 

Gen' Anthony Wayne. 

When the news of that bloody victory, at the celebrated battle of 
August liO, 171*4, reached London, it brought to immediate conclusion 
the long protracted negotiations between the Hritish minister Lord Gren- 
ville and our representative John -Jay, whose mission there was to obtain 
the evacuation of the forts, which England still held on the frontier of 
the United States, contrary to the treaty of ltJ8;i Mr. Jay having 
brought these affairs to a successful termination, returned to New York 
io May, 17'J;'), and found two days previous to landing, he had been 
elected governor of the state of New York. This decisive victory which 
had been productive of so much good was the closing work of the revolu- 
tion. 

Capt. Webb to Capt. Van Ren«»claer. 
Dear Rensselaer: Camp Fort Defiance, Septem' 3d, 17U4. 

We are in the same Camp that we occupied when you left us but not 
half so well oft". The poor pittance of Provision Drawn at present would 
Dot keep b<tdy & soul together, was it not for the Vegitaldcs, that we ob- 
tain when Foraging and even these, we have to bring from the !>eserted 
Towns twelve miles above our Encampment, up the River Miami. It 
will be serious k alarming times, with us shou'd Gen. Todd's Escort fail, 
k, the prevailing opinion is that Hr irlll sunli/ br attaclcril. \\' [le fails, 
lie consc(|iiciice is obvious. The Whole must nmve, />«/ God Kinnca 
hire, I should suppose fTir Green Ville. The Autumnal Ei|uiuox is nigh 
it hand, it we may expect a long continuance of bud Weather. I heartily 
1 mgralulateyou on yourescape from this inclement, inhospitable Country, 
but do most sincerely condole with you on the cause. 

Our friend J^ieut Smith mends very fast & is now in (^amp. We have 
heard nothing of the Savages since you left us, which leads uie to suppose, 
that they are either collecting their forco^ to give us battle once again, or 
that they have Drawn ofi". determined to force us from their (^luiitry by 
cutting up our Escorts with Provisions. This last is certainly their 
most effectual mode of Warfare, for fight us when & where they will, we 
shall always beat them. 1 yesterday took out the S<|uadron, & ventured 
1.') miles up the .^Iiami. 1 found much Ijarger k Higher Cultivated 
fielils of Corn, Potatoes, beans. [>eas, Jt Pompions, than those Destroyed on 
the Glaize. 1 believe it is now Determined that our Rout will be up 

14 



106 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

this River to the Maumi Village, where we are to fortify & Winter, Ex- 
cept the Dragoons, who will I believe return to Kentucky, & when there 
I suppose, we wont cut some foolish Capers, no not at all! ! If we reach 
Kentucky once more, you shall hear of some rare Doings, Courting, 
Gallanting, Balls & Assemblies, You will wish to be with us. I have 
but little Expectations of a furlough & shall therefore not apply. Our 
Wounded are fast recovering & will all do well. Except poor Jones, 
L.L.D whose wounded mind, or entrails Laudanum alone can heal. He 
has been several times Distracted, See the Effect of Hard Drink ! It 
cannot be long, if the Savages mean to fight us again, before you will hear 
of a hard fought field, for if they try once more it will be with all their 
allied Strength. Prepare then to hear of noble Deeds. If I out live that 
Day, I think I may without fear of a Denial ask for a greater Commission 
than I now bear. Two Epaulets at least, and then Girls have at you all! 
But as it is we must wait the call of imperious Commanders & when we 
Do our Duty well, if they but smile, we must think ourselves overpaid 
altho : they found their fame upon our Merits. There still exists in the 
Legion the same Seism, only a little more extended. Out of 14 swords 
of the Kill'd & wounded only one can be found & a quantity of other 
Equipments gone, no one knows how. I wish to, I cou'd be call'd to the 
Command of the Troop that now must shortly fall to my Lott. Our 
Horses are going fast, I think your Troop at present much the best, hav- 
ing but one Horse unfit for Duty, whilst the Troop that is to fall to me 
is twice as strong & Musters two Horses Less. The Commander-in-Chief 
this day inform'd me that it wou'd be sometime before we shou'd make 
out forage returns & that we shou'd pass through innumerable Prairies as 
we progress'd up the River Miami of the Lakes. I wish He may not 
have been wofully Deceiv'd in his information for if we are to pass through 
a Country bare of Grass all will soon be over with our Horses. I am 
writing without a Conveyance & am only preparing for the first oppor- 
tunity as we generally have but short notice, shall therefore fold but not 
seal this as many things may turn up between this & the next Express. 
Adieu my Dear fellow, may you be well & happy is the wish of your 
Sincere, y w^^^ j 

Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer, Green Ville. " ' 

Lieut. Wm. K. Blue to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Capt : Camp near Fort Defiance Sept. 6, 1794. 

I take the liberty of enclosing to you a letter to my father who I hope 
you & Capt. Slough will call and see as you pass through Virginia. I 
would have wrote more but have not time as we to day was reviewed & 
had then to go off at least five Miles for plunder, it was nearly run down 
when we returned, I was then told that an Express was going to night. 
I beg you will be particular in delivering the letter I committed to your 
Charge in a private manner, observing at the same time that you could 
contrive to send me a letter privately, and safely at least not letting it be 
known who it was from. 

Silver lace for a Coat would be a good thing to wear in Lexington 
amongst the Ladys. I am D"^ Sir your friend & most Obt: Svt. 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Green Ville. 



Legacy of HrsTORicAL Gleanings. 107 

Capt. Titmirto Lout. Visxrhrr. 
Dour Visschcr, Grand Glaize, Sept. 10th, 1701. 

From the Accounts we have received respectini^ Vnn I certainly had a 
right to expect a lino from you j^iviii^' the particulars of his situafioii. 
\\'\fi friends are very uiucli alarmed, you will confer a particular ol)li;;ation 
to let us know every circumstance concernini^ him. (live njy friendship 
&c to him, ami 1/ hf i» loll enow/fi, tell him I should be liappy to hear 
from him. We have nothint; new, we expect to move towards the Miami" 
■Villa<;es in three days, where (leid. Harbor is to meet us. Tho General 
is sanjiuinc that he will finish his business of the Campaif^ii in a month 
from this, at the expiration of which lie returns. * * * Miami Villa^^es 
Sept. 20, 17U4, 1 am happy to find by your Letter that Viin has so far 
recovered as to proceed to a place where ho can be well furnished with 
necessaries for his situation. You should write him and endeavour to im- 
press him with a sense of prudence, otherwise he will be too apt to put 
himself forward to exertions that his situation will not admit of Campbell 
Smith is with us in fine spirits and nearly well. We have nothinj^ new ex- 
cept day before yesterday t IJritfsh Deserters came in who say, the Indians 
arc still in force below the Hritish Garrison amountinij to about 1()U0 
that they seem disposed for peace. But it is conjectured that before they 
determine that, they will wait the I.ssue of some nej^otiations McGce is 
makin*; in Canada. I am in hopes to see you in six weeeks from this. 
We commence upon the Garrison tomorrow, it must take nearly a month 
to make it tenable. God bless you. Compts. to Drake. Write mo by 
every opportunity and believe me to be with sincerity, Yours. 

T- X VT T -ir- L Edwd D. Turner. 

Lieut. N. I. Visscher. 

What few mails reached the territory were carried on horseback, and they 
were so carried until after tho late war in 1812 ; in 1815 carriages bejran 
to bo used in conveying; the mails and p:issen<^ers. There beinc; no bridcres 
across the water courses, the mails were not only often thorouj^hly wetted, 
but the horses that carried them were drowned, with those who rode them. 
Only a few years have pas.sed away since such accidents in Ohio were 
common. '• Subse<|uent to Wayne's victory, durinj; the whole Indian war, 
the settlers in the infant colony, kept constantly on the alert, from lour 
to six rangers, who wore called spies, whoso duty it was, to scour the 
woods and if any Indiana were discovered to f^ive the alarm, a gun was 
then fired at the fort, and every ])erson hastened into the i^arrison." 

The following letter w;is received at I'hiladelphia on November 8th. 

KiUutn K. Van lifiisseUter to Capt. Van liensntliur. 
Dear Sir, Albany, Oct. 20th, 1794. 

Your favor dated at Fort Recovery the lU July and the other dated 
Aug. 25, are both before me. As your recent wound is a circumstance I 
feel myself so much interested in I will refer only to the last letter. I 
know you was aware of the danger a military life would subject you to, 
but confident that unless you accepted your commission happiness could 
not be yours, thus circumstanced you maile your election. I must confess 
it was what I highly approved of, and I sincerely hope it is what you may 
have no reason to regret, even under your present dangerous wound ; for 
should your di.ssolutton be the result of it, you certainly have ac(|uired 
more glory at your time of life than numbers of Generals have found in 



108 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

half a Century, added to the service you have rendered your Country. 
This, Sir. will preserve your reputation aod you will live beyond the grave, 
therefore exert your usual fortitude, and show human wisdom in not re- 
pining at what you cannot help. In this Country as in all other civilized 
Governments, the Military profession is the true way to reputation which 
is generally accompanied by Wealth ; that you may enjoy both, to the 
bounds of your wishes, no person is more anxious about than your uncle. 
• Should you survive your wound, and not disabled, I think a Majority will 
follow, and after that all is paved &c. Your friends are all very solicitous- 
about hearing from you, and you will do well to drop a line often. Even 
Judge Yates appeared as desirous to hear of your fate as well as all those 
who knew you, equal with your friends. And I pray you may^reap laurels 
in the field in abundance without loss of any more blood. 

I believe this Campaign will settle all, either John Jay will settle by 
negotiation, or formal War will be proclaimed, and the fountain head 
Lower Canada will be formidably attacked, and the nature of your service 
will be altered. We find the French still continue drubbing the Allies 
or combined powers, and this will do every purpose for us. Mr. Henry 
Cuyler I mentioned in my last, supposed dead, is now actually a prisoner 
in France, and was one out of two saved in a large Garrison ; his parents 
and family were all in mourning and weeds. Mr. John Visscher [father 
of Lieut. N. I. Visscher], is still alive, and we all pray that the news of 
your death, which we have heard, will be a foreboding that you are now 
alive, and recovering very fast. I assure you our Paps-knee and Green 
Bush lads cut no small figure in the conflicting scenes in Europe and 
America. Friends are all well. Your brother Killiau [Lieut, in the Navy] 
has sailed for Holland. My eldest son John S. is a counterpart to you, 
and I hope to see him under your Command and direction in the Army 
as I used to have you in my office. Joseph Yates has declined serving in 
the Army, and chooses to fight by proxy as Militia men often do. Greet 
Visscher and tell him I have not with-held my interest to either of your 
promotions, and that I will continue to do all I can. Tell him I was glad 
to hear he was out the fighting department, least he might have been 
complimented with a ball, and been made to salute the ground with an 
ill grace. Our city is altered very much, and I assure you very elegant 
houses have arose out of the late flames. I hope you will not be too ven- 
turesome and mis-give too much either in exercise, duty or anything else 
before your health is restored. N.B. Old black Cretia dropped a tear 
for you. Pray what occasions all the Duels in your army ? * * * 
Your Aunt joins with me in wishing you a speedy recovery. 

n, ^ ■ a ^ 17 T} „''i K. K. Van Rensselaer. 

Captain Solomon Van Kensselaer, 

Light Dragoons, Fort Recovery, Ohio. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. lO'J 



CHAPTER V. 
European Trip in 1795. 

Lieut. ViMchcr to Cnpt. Van liemnelaer. 

My ilear Yau, Fort Uet-ovcry the 18th of N()V^, 1794. 

Since your ilcparfuro I'roin this I h:ivc only been favored with one 
Letter from you dated Lexinu'ton one duv previous to your leaving tliat. 
After your departure from this, and after deeply ruminating on the 
different situations in which wc are placed for the ensuinj^ winter, 
it recalls to my memory with the most poi<;nant rejrret how happy you 
must inevitably pass the time, whilst I am doomed to contemplate 
amonpst the sylvan shades. I do not rej^ret the happiness you will 
experience, but thi^t I am not permitted to participate with you. Hut 
alas I it appears that I must content myself with the little limits of u 
(larrison, secluded from the society I will ever hold dear, llow oft, in 
the dear and heartielt enjoyments of my Melancholy walks, have yon 
Komantic {proves witnessed my narrative of love ; and when the drear 
ni{;ht appears, I retire to uiy Room, where in a state of chaos, the 
thouj,dits of home, and a thousand other thini^s rush on my mind like a 
torrent. I j^cnerally take up Thompson's description of a Winter Season 
or some other book, on which I muse till sleep overcomes me. Then I 
am apt to cry with Sancho " A blessint; on his heart who li^st invented 
sleep." On lookini; back, I find that 1 have been goinj^ on like a person 
in love, do excuse me, however improper it may be for the pen of a Sol- 
dier, it flows unstudied from the effusions of a heart too susceptible of 
Buch foibles. Let me then rouse from this indip:nation, and proceed to 
the affairs of the Army, on which I shall expatiate but very superficially, 
not that in my opinion such information would not be interestinj: to you, 
but nothir);: material has h.ippencd since your departure. Save the death 
of our worthy Contractor Mr. Robery KUiott, and Lieut. Isaac I'leasant 
Younuhusbaiid ; the former was killed near Fort Hamilton, by the 
Indians ; and the latter (a.s you may have lon<^ since predicted) died at 
Fort Jefferson. Those Gent" I dare say will be much reuretted by you, 
the one for his benevolence and amiable disposition ; anil the other, for 
his peculiar abilities which wouM have recommended him in any part of 
the worlil 1 however trust that the gentle breezes of the Western Ter- 
ritory have been stronj; cnout:h to waft their souls to Heaven, enough of 
this subject. The Army arrived at (Ireeneville about the 3rd Inst, after 
erecting (exclusively of the Garrisons in which you have been a sharer) 
a large and strong one at the C-onj unction of St. Joseph's and Miamo 
Kivcrs. To the Command of this (Jarrison was left Colonel Ilamtramck 
with six Companies, vizt (^aptains Porter, Kingsbury, Sparks, I'reston, 
Greaton and Reeds. The Garrison is named in honor of his Kxcellency 
" Fort Wayne." 

I have just heard of the resignations of Major Hews, Knsigns Dainger- 
field and Thomas F^ewis ; .><everal others are talked of but with what cer- 
tainty I cannot tell. There are now between me and a Captaincy only 



110 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

four Officers, after they are out of the way I shall enjoy a tranquil mind. 
Before this I expect you have reached Albany, and, by this time you must 
have dispatched a Letter to me, giving me the particulars of your arrival 
at that place, what reception you met with by our Dutch country men, 
not a very hospitable one, I dare say, for the Character given them by 
Historians does not give them a vast deal of eulogy. Nov. 26th. After 
a considerable lapse of time, I again resume my pen. The prospects of 
my visiting the place of ray nativity, are not so gloomy at present as I 
have stated them in the former part of this Letter, we have received in- 
telligence from Greeneville that we are to be relieved shortly. Then I 
think it probable that I shall be sent to Philadelphia to settle my accounts. 
It strikes me most seriously that I shall return home without ever having 
heard the noise of guns : this however cannot throw an odium on me. 
Yet I doubt not, but I would stand higher in the opinion of the Million 
for having barely heard the noise of guns in an Action. Tho' this senti- 
ment is no more than the dust in the balance with men of real judgment 
who form a true estimate of the meritorious. I again resume my sad 
narrative. Pray how did you find my poor Father i' I hope his imbecility 
of body, and the troubles of his mind are somewhat alleviated, alas ! what 
a gloomy visitor is subject to my memory, how oft in some of my 
melancholy moments, do the thoughts of him steal from me unobserved 
a pathetic tear, and when I draw a similitude between his present and 
his former situation, I am like Niobe all tears. I find I am yet in a 
melancholy strain. I must omit concluding this till some convivial moment 
seizes me. Adieu for the present. But again my dear Van, before I close, 
let me remind you of a circumstance which you are not a stranger to, I 
mean, the important article of knowledge, if I may so call it. Your rank 
in the Army and your prospects of preferment are great ; it therefore 
becomes yo*u to devote many of your leisure moments to the attainment 
of useful knowledge. 

This Letter I have penned at different times merely as the ideas revolved 
in my mind, any inaccuracies I may have fallen into, you will 1 hope 
pardon. 

Mention me friendly to your Father, and so on, Ad infinitum to the 
whole family, and to all your relatives that inquire after me. Write me 
frequently, the postage of Letters you know is no consideration to me. 
God bless you in all your worthy pursuits. ^ j yjgg^jjjj.^ 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

Green Bush, near Albany, State of New York. 

Fort Wayne was completed on October 22d, and was immediately garri- 
soned with infantry and artillery, under Colonel John F. Hamtramck, a 
most faithful and useful officer. Col. Hamtramck was one of the honored 
few, named by General Wayne, in his dispatch to the secretary of war, 
whose services demanded special mention, viz : " Wilkinson and Hamtramck; 
his aids-de-camp, DeButt, Lewis, and Harrison ; Mills, Covington ; of the 
cavalry, Webb, Slough, Prior, Smith, Van Kensselaer, Bawlius, McKen- 
ney, Brook, and Duncan. After Fort Wayne was completed, the remain- 
der of the troops left, some for Fort Washington, to be discharged from 
the service, and the others for Fort Greenville, where Wayne made hia 
head quarters for the winter. 



Leoacy op IIistorical Gleanings. Ill 

Litut. John Poity to Oipt. Van RenaaeUier. 

., ,. n .• Green Ville, Nov. 27, 17'Jt. 

^Iy Pear ( aptain, ' 

I have now set clown a^aiii with a view of jjivinj^ you the news of our 
l.ittlf Aruiy. I make no doubt but before you lel't the Country you heard 
t our safe arrival at the Miami Villa^jes after u march of 3 Days k with- 
it so much as hearinj^ or seeing of the Kueiny. Indeed the only diffi- 
lulty that we labored under during our progress was the extreme inability 
and detticioncy of I'ack-ilorses to Transport our HaL'^ajre and I believo 
the loss of those kind of animals was considerable and a means of retardin<^ 
our March in a great degree, and with pain do I add that several of our 
Driiijuon Horses were obliged to be left on the Hoad. On the 18th (Jenl. 
I Barbey arrived with a large Supply of Provisions which enabled the I'nor 
I Unnijnry SoMier once more to l)raw his whole Kalion. On the lilst the 
foundation of a Large fortification was laid ( A^lgHs*^ li 1 ) A: Nature never 
rnied a more IJeautiful Spot for the purpose, a high tJ^ commanding sit- 
1 ition on the south side of the Miami and immediately at the Contluenco 
of the Rivers St. Mario A: St. .Joseph which form the Miami. This Kiver 
affords an abundance of Kish and wild Fowl. This was formerly the 
Grand Emporium of the Western Savages but were obliged to withdraw 
in consequence of the approach of old (Jenl. llarmar who destroyed their 
I Towns some years ago in the execution of which several Brave Heroes 
t'Ml. Here we remained for the space of one .^Ionth, in which a large & 
long fortification was erected, called after Our Old Chief, FoilT Wayne, 
Uarrisoned by old Col. Hamtramak and four Companies, two of which are 
Rifle, one Artillery k the other light infantry. There was a small I'Meet 
I fitted out a ticw Days before we left it consisting of one large Kentucky 
i Boat, one Skiff an<l one (.'anoe, for the Means of transporting Provisions 
i from thence to Port Defiance. A fiew Days also before we marched the 
j French Prisoner, La.ssell, that we took in the Action was liansomcd by 
i His Hrother, who brought in three Prisoners iu exchange for Him, two 
j of whom were men who had been taken in poor Lowry's Defeat. [I^ieut 
Lowry and fourteen men were killed by l^ittle Turtle near Port St. Clair 
on October -3d ] The third was a small girl that had been Uiken from 
the frontiers of Kentucky. Some time subsequent to this the Volunteers 
were discharged, poor fellows! I believe they were Heartily tired of the 
Campaigning ; a number of them died at Green Ville Prior to their being 
discharged who had (from, I believe a Cowardly disposition) been left at 
that IMace, ami not accustomed to the many Hardships it fatiuues of a 
Soldier's lite took sick and died for S[>ite. Well, on the 17th of October 
:i Signal from the I'ark accompanicil by the Beat of the Genl., bid us Strike 
"ur Tents and prepare for a Move we knew not whither. * * ♦ Hero 
wc learnt that the Old Cnric had the Old Picque Towns in view as he had 
inc reasons to e.xpect a Bickering at this point. ♦ * * However 
tiler a disagreeable .^larch of 4 days we arrived late in the evening. * * * 
Alter halting a day we renewed our March and after a most tedius k ex- 
trcnily disagreeable journey through the D — dist Swamps in the world 
we arrived safe and sound at Greenville, where we expect to remain all 
winter. There is no end to the Toils, privations and dangers that we have 
to encounter in these Western Wilds. ♦ ♦ * Since the Death of our 
dear friend Campbell we are like a flock of lost sheep. Capt^s. Taylor, Webb, 
and Jones are at Port Hamilton shouldering their Firelocks. Webb dont 



112 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

sware at all I suppose, no ! not at all. Major Winston is at Lexington 
on his Death Bed. * * * Adieu my dear Captain & may Heaven be 
Propitious to you is the Prayer of your sincere & affectionate friend 

rt . o ^ ^r t> 1 JOHN PoSEY Comet. 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Robert S. Van Rensselaer to Col. Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Papa, New York Dec 2, 1794. 

I arrived here safe from Philadelphia on Saturday, having remained 
there two days longer than I intended, dancing attendance on Mr. Aaron 
Burr and Madison. I breakfasted with Mr. Burr on Thursday previous 
to my leaving Philadelphia, he gave me two letters to N. York for Mr. 
David Gelston and Col. William, S. Smith, who both very politely invited 
me to come and see them, and they would give me letters to their friends 
in Amsterdam. 

Mr Smith I am to spend this evening with, and to wait on Mr Gelston 
for his letters, having informed them I intended to sail from Philadelphia, 
and to leave this to-morrow. This, however, will not take place ; the 
Captain of the Ship I intended to have sailed in, has had the candor to 
inform me (although possitive orders from the Owners to the contrary) 
that, although she clears out for Hamburg, should there be but few Crui- 
sers in the Channel, she will go to France. This no doubt to you as well 
as myself is pleasing intelligence. I will write to Mr. Burr, to direct his 
letters to me at New York, and also to Madison, requesting him to forward 
his immediately for this place. Doctor John H. Livingston will be of 
great service to me, more then I bad reason to expect; he gives me letters 
to Several of bis most intimate acquaintances while he resided in Holland 
and correspondents in tbat place. I was obliged to inform him I intended 
to take the tour through Europe before I returned, as he was very inquisi- 
tive to know my particular business in Amsterdam. 

He gives me a letter to Anthony Van Bensselaer and also Jan Jacob 
Van Rensselaer both he corresponds with. Mr Ray I dined with on 
Sunday and he also is to furnish me with a letter or two. Mr. Varick 
wrote by the First Stage on his receiving your letter, to what accident it 
is owing we did not receive it I cannot telj. The post-masters on the 
road, jsvere very careless indeed on opening the Mail, throwing the letters 
on the floor in the same room we were in. I have Visited Capt. Anthony 
Rutgers, gave tbe letter I had lor him and at the same time told him who 
I was. He very cordially took me by the hand and told me any thing in 
his power, he could do for me he would, being very well acquainted with 
you. He says he will not only give me letters himself, but see and get 
several from the House of Jacob Leroy & Co. and other friends. He has 
advised me to Sail lor London (it being only 90 miles from Amsterdam 
and Packets sail from there almost every day) on board the Ship Sampson, 
Capt: John Smith, who is an American, and the Ship an American bot- 
tom and a constant trader, and whom he can particularly recommend to 
me as a good Ship and a very agreeable Captain. On board this Ship, 
Greenleave is to sail for London on his way to Amsterdam, having given 
up the Idea of sailing in the Ship he has chartered at Philadelphia : and 
also two or three more passengers together with myself. The Governor 
[George Clinton] promises me letters and gives me a Certificate certifying 
my Citizenship and a particular recommendation besides. This Ship will not 
Sail in less than a month from this, but then certainly, the Captain says per- 



t 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleaninqs. 113 

haps a few days Sooner, shall write you particularly in the course of this week, 
w lien will certainly Sail. I have inquired at every place for Hides, hut those 
who liavo advertised them for sale, have Sold all they have inirnedialely on 
liiidin;,'; they all exj»ect a lartre quantity in with the first N'esscls and 
'lion 1 may have the refusal of any quantity I like. Those that have had, 

lid at lOtl. pr II. I have inclosed a number of papers and Accounts 
wliieh I wish you to save for me. There beinj^ no more accounts Papa 
will want U) Settle with the Heirs of A. I'cnnel. Your Account is among 
Mio number drawn from the Uxjks before I left Cherry Uill. With respect 

> Fennel's affairs, I shall write at another time, as also a Power of Attor- 
ney and other little trifles. My best love and compliments to all friends — 
1 rothers and sisters, but particularly Mama, am extremely obli<:;ed to her 

r her letter.' I received yours on my return and which thmu^'h the 

.race of Divine Providence I mean strictly to abide by. Confident that 
under his protection any misfortunes I am liable to, and whieh may hap- 
pen, will come easy and lii^htly ii' not for.saken by him and for whose pro- 

clion I most fervently pray. I remain dear Papa your dutiful Son and 
sincere friend. lUtirr. S. Van Kensselakk. 

Philip Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Cherry Hill, Albany. 

At this time the commerce of the United States had suffered much by 
the constant depredations of French cruisers and the mercantile classes 
were greatly exasperated, as at one time no less than sixty privateers were 
a prey on American traffic. 

liobert S. Van lienssdaer to his Sister. 

Dear Arriett : London, February 25, 1795. 

The sint^ular ploa.sure T have in advising you and my friends of my 
safe arrival, and the dangerous storms we have experienced in our voyage, 
an account of which I shall give as nearly as I can recollect, the p;i.s.sage 
being too rough to keep a daily account of events during our crossing the 
Atlantic. We left New York with a fine, fair wind, and by evening lost 
sight of the land, the next day we had a fine pleasant breeze and a Clear 
Sky and 1 began to be a little sea-sick. Nothing material happened, a 
glorious prospect before us, all water and every moment sailing further 
from land. On the fourth day my Sickness had arrived at its greatest 
hight, and although it was fine, pleasant weather and fair Wind, I wished 
myself on land having scarcely eaten a mouthful for the first lour days. 
Capt. Smith was exceedingly attentive and obliging to me and endeavored 
to console and make me cheerful, which was not in the power of ma?i,for 
I was very sick indeed ; on the fifth I began to grow cheerful and re- 
cruited fast owing to the great attention I experienced from the (^»pt. 
The 1st of January the Mate doseryed a Vessel in chase of us which 
alarmed us a little and more particularly some of the passengers who were 
Englishmen and dreaded the Idea of a French Privateer. In the after- 
noon our fears were ilispelled for about three o'clock, she came up with 
us, it proveil a Hudson Hrig out fifty days and had been a fortnight on 
Short allowance of provisions. The Capt. supplied them amply and at 
night we lost sight of them, they were bound for New York, our Captain 
wrote by her, but I was then yet not a sufficient sailor or quite well 
uough to write. On the Seventh day out, we struck soundings on the 
JIanks of New Foundland in forty fathoms water j this was highly flattcr- 

15 



114 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

ing as we were then better than one-third of our passage, all in high 
spirits and in great hopes of making land in 18 days. The winds still 
favorable and plenty, so as to admit our carrying all the Sails she had. 
On the ninth day about twelve at night, all our fine hopes and prospects 
vanished ; the wind began to blow from another quarter directly ahead 
and increased very fast. In the morning when we arose, there was quite 
a gale and we were obliged to sail before it, although contrary to our 
course, only with one sail set. On the January 14th, the Capt. gave 
orders for them to come to, and tried to weather the Storm which still 
increased. (They have a peculiar method of doing this, the Vessel lay- 
ing broadside to the wind and not going above two miles an hour, in the 
hardest gale it will admit of their doing this.) It was attended with quite 
serious consequences ; we had not been in this Situation tossing mount- 
ains high, above three hours before our Camboose, kettles, frying-pans and 
chief of our cooking utensils ; our pigs ; a sheep ; and the Quarter-railing 
were swept overboard into the sea. Fortunately at this time our Seamen 
were in the Steerage and the helm lashed, which preserved their lives, 
for had they been on deck they must have been washed overboard. This 
was not a very pleasing prospect, the Steerage was half filled with water, 
and the men in it thinking the ship foundering. We in the Cabin were 
not much better oflF, for the Sea broke in the Sky light, and for a minute 
rushed like a torrent down into the cabin. This startled even the Captain, 
who declared in crossing the Atlantic for fifty times, he had never expe- 
rienced such severe weather. The men were obliged to be lashed to the 
pump, and pump regularly every hour, dreadful times ! and no great 
prospect of better, for on the 25tb, we fell in with a Ship newly wrecked. 
The Capt. supposed she had been lost in the present storm as all her 
masts were cut away and not a soul on board. The wind had somewhat 
abated and we could remain on deck to behold this dreadful sight, for it 
was the most trying one, I ever experienced. In the Situation we were 
in ourselves fortunately it was not our lot, but a number of Vessels were 
lost in this gale which continued for a number of days. On the 26th we 
had once more flattering and pleasing prospects ; our danger foi'gotten, 
having a fine, brisk wind in our favor, and praising our good fortune in 
the escape of the last tremendous Storm. The 29th the wind changed 
Suddenly and blew very hard though not directly averse ; the sky seemed 
lowering, and we were visited with plenty of falling water while at the 
same time wind increasing and every sailor employed taking in sail ; a 
heavy sea and high winds with rain continued with nothing remarkable 
until the 1st February when to our great joy, surprise and pleasure, the 
Mate discovered the Scilly Light House, at eleven o'clock at night, 
which is about three hundred miles from the Downs. We all went upon 
deck and with eager eyes gazed on the glorious light which appeared be- 
fore us and for once the gods favored us, having now a fine clear moon 
shining night, with gentle winds to glide us slowly to our long wished for 
port, and on the 2nd, we discovered land which exhilarated us still more. 
The day was very fine and in view upward of three thousand Sail of 
different Vessels large and small being now in the British Channel. 

On the fourth of February we hove to, after a pa.ssage of 41 days, op- 
posite a small villainous sea-port town named Deal, where to our great 
joy we landed and took different routs for this City. The first night I 
put up at a place called Sittingbourn, a pleasant country village and an 
excellent Inn where we put up at; fortunately for us we arrived before 



M 



Legacy of Historical .Gleaninqs. 115 

dirk, for a gcntloman who left Deal before us, but dined on the road, was 
rihbcd of his money and watch before ho could f^et to us at Sittin;;burn, 
i' boini; about 8 o'clock wlien he arrived. On the 5th I arrived hero 
t'fer beint; once upset and thrown out of the post chaise, without any 
■oident or hurting myself in the fall, althou'^h one Gentleman who hap- 
■nod to sit on the side the carria'^e fell, was a little bruised. We put 
up at the Kaj;lc in the Strand, it bcincj about seven o'clock when we ar- 
rived owinji; to the roads bein;.^ very bad, and in the City so heaped up 
.ifh muil and snow as to render them almost impassable. A description 
the Country and some part of this place I shall give you, at another 
•lie. . M"^ Smith when ho sails, is the <;entleman who takes this, i^oes to 
■ ravesend this afternoon to embark for that delightful (Country where 
ice, liberty ami plenty resides without the grievance of tiixint; windows, 
! 'wdofcd heads «fcc. My best Love to all friends who en(|uire alter mo. 
1 conclude dear Sister, your aflfectionato brother till death. 

IIoheht S. Van Rkns.sklaku. 
Miss Arriett Van Rensselaer, Cherry Ilill, Albany N. Y. 

liobert S. Van Rensselaer to his Sister. 

Dear Arriett, London 2()th Feb>', 1795. 

In comin:; to this City wo pa.ssed a number of Country Seats and 
Villages, none of more note or Kle-^ance than the (jrecSwich Hospital, 
which is situated on a beautiful eminence surrounded with a tine brick 
wall and a number of Trees ; from this Hospital to the City aro a number 
of Vdlaijes, the houses are so closely connected that a stran-^er would 
suppose himself in the City which is at least six miles distant. The 
buildings in general ate very ancient, mostly three stories, sonje four and 
five ; all have a heavy smoky appearance, they look quittj black and very 
much in want of paint. The City streets are all well paved, but narrow, 
dirty, almost, at times, impassable. Mrs. John C. Church [a daughter 
of (jren. Schuyler] is uncommonly polite and attentito to me, ha.s given 
me an ollor which I sometimes embrace of, going to the Drurydano 
Theatre whenever I feel disposed, they have a private Hox. This evening 
1 am going with her ladyship and Mi.^^s Church, who is a fine haudsomo 
girl, but uot till the play is half over, it being unfashionable going before. 
Drurydane is one of the finest buildings of the kind I ever beheld. Time 
will not at present admit my giving you a full description of it, but I 
shall shortly, it contains the small numbrr of five thou.sand people and I 
have seen it several times so filled that they sent several persons into the 
Pit, so as to make room for others. Next week I embark for Holland, 
there is now a truce in this City who come to demand their Vessels, and 
if it is possible to get under their care, I shall do it, they being the only 
people I can get to Holland with in a decent way. Direct letters for me 
to the Care of Messrs Thyn Kllere k Knglis, Merchants, Mark lane, 
London. Hon. Mr. Church wished me to cliange my quarters to his end 
of the town, I being distant from him about three miles, which is the 
Court end, and there reside all men of quality or Lords, as you please, 
with whom as a consequence I should have been introduced and visited. 
Hut ibis, 1 think, I most judiciously thanked him for, informing him, 
my business cjilled me near the E.rc/i<in;/f, where all men of business meet 
at one o'clock till four. 1 also cousulted my pursu iu this dettirminatiou, 
for had I gone, I might ia a few days have sung to a tuuc I should have 



116 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

been obliged to set myself, Oh ! my Guineas; my Guineas &c., the family 
are all in good health and desired to be remembered to all at Cherry Hill. 

I am heartily Sick of this noisy, unhealthy, bustling City, not a fair 
day have I seen since my arrival, all is darkness by four in the afternoon. 

Things are remarkably high, only think, Potatoes selling at five shillings 
a hundred, and fowls at four and five and still on the rise. Any v?ay I 
shall leave this on Thursday next, either with the Commissioners, if *E can 
obtain leave to go with them, or embark in an American Ship for France, 
as there is one going to Sail in about that time. The next you will hear 
from me either at Amsterdam or Paris. Do not forget to write me, direct 
them as I have written you, for England, as not one letter you may write 
me immediately for Amsterdam would arrive. Seal your letters well, as 
they are badly treated on board the Ships in rough weather, being all de- 
posited in one large bag. God bless you. Adieu. My best love to Mama 
and all the family, to Sister Betsey and Pete Elmendorf, Esqr., par- 
ticularly in the interim, I remain your afiiectionate brother, 



<^xw^^^^^^<^^2-^2^^i:^^^ 



Miss Arriet Van Rensselaer, 

Cherry Hill, Albany, State of New York, America. 

John C. Church came to this country from England under the name 
of Carter and married Angelica, the eldest daughter of General Schuyler, 
in 1777, against the wishes of her father. He appears to have been a 
man of large wealth and good social standing in England. He was a 
member of parliament and was intimate with the prince of Wales and 
his party friends. Mrs. Church in describing a ball given at her house 
in London, mentions, the prince regent and all notabilities were present. 
After some years Mr. and Mrs. Church returned to New York, where they 
lived in grand style for those days. There Mrs. Church died, and her 
husband returned to England. 

Gen. Schuyler in a letter to William Duer says : " Carter and my 
eldest daughter ran ofi" and married on the 23d inst. (July). Unacquainted 
with his family, his connections and situation in life, the match was ex- 
ceedingly disagreeable to me, and I had signified it to him." But he 
forgave, and called them home." 

James Cuyler to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir : New York 9 March 1795. 

Your kind favor of 27 Ult I received wherein you make enquiries of 
your Brother Killian, he arrived here about a fortnight since in the ship 
Minerva, Capt. Annom. He has now purchased part of the Brig Peggy 
and has sailed this morning, as Master and part owner of the Brig and 
Cargo to France, the port he has gone to is Havre de Grace, barring 
accidents and I think he will make a very Great Voyage, he was very happy 
to see me, asked a great many questions respecting you and the Family, 
he regretted Very much he had it not in his power to spare time to go 
up to .see you all aad now is again gone ploughing the main. I have made 



Legacy of ITistorical Gleanings. 117 

<ny enquiries respecting your trunk I'roui Kort Recovery and ean hear 
fhinj,' ol it. reiucuiber mo to your family and I reinuin Your old 

■^'^i^' . o 1 \r xj 1 n ij I James Cuvlku. 

Capt. Solomon V . Kenssolaer, Green IJush. 

Our vessels were often menaced and fre(|uently captured. As early as 
1770, congress had Gttod out vei^.'^els, who.su avowed object was to intercept 
British transports huvinj; supplies for the royal army in America, lu 
this service tljc'y were very efficient, and a larj^er portion of ammunition, 
good arms, and military stores were thus obtainetl by the patriots durinj^ 
tne first three years uf the war. They exjiected to be remunerated teul'old 
for all the spoliations inflicted on their commerce, and thus compel the 
British government to act justly and respectfully. 

Secretary of War to Capt. Van RaiMeUier. 
Sir, War Office, April 17, 1705. 

I received your letter of the 2d inst. The effect of your wounds, as 
represented by you, entitles you to the indulgence you request, of remain- 
ing longer on furlough. It is true that the military esUiblishment is con- 
tinued : but the President, on his discretion, was to raise, or forbear to 
raise any part of it. The pacific overtures of the Western Indians and 
the adjustment of our diff'erences with Great Britain seem to render it 
tinnecessary to complete the Cavalry of the Legion. The Inlantry, it 
will be very desirable to increa.'^e, at least to recruit, to supply the jilaces 
of the men whoso times of service are daily expiring. The numerous 
garrisons we must maintain will require a considerable force. If indeed 
you could enlist a company in the expectation that they most probably 
will be called to serve as dismounted dragoons, according to the provision 
of the law. I should be extremely glad. Of this you can jutigo, from 
your knowledge of the country where you would attempt to recruit. Ou 
this head you will be pleased to give me information. Should the pros- 
pect be good, instructions & money shall be furnished. 

I am, respectfully, Sir, Your obt. Servt. 

^..£31 ^r 1, 1 411 Ti.MOTiiY Pickering. 

Captain Solomon V an Kensselaer, Albany. 

While CapUiin Van Uonsselaer was at Albany recruiting from the 
effects of his severe wound his mother, the wife of General Henry K. 
Van Rensselaer was taken sick and died. "The sharp points of uur grief 
when the mission ot our loved ones to the world is finished, are that alter 
a time we should cea.se to weep, and then only think of them at intervals, 
and finally be apparently as much interested in the world and as cheerful 
as ever." "It is also pleasant from our outlooks to glance back upon 
thes'e early times with the <liseriminations of distance, for we can better 
understand the full advantage which accrued to An)erican society after 
the one all-ab.sorbing struggle for liberty had been victorious. For many 
years our ancestors had been going to school to great human rights; and 
now, with the march of improvement, we all are, or should be, attending 
school to great human duties and striving to improve our social organiza- 
tions by proper mental ballast proving that God's love is the magnet." 

Robert S. Van RenMelaer to hit Siste^r. 
Dear Arrictt, Amsterdam. April 25, 1795. 

When I last wrote you I was amidst the noise and bustle of English 
' 'twds, where the roaring of the Carriages aud the London cries blended 



118 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

prevented one from sleeping till accustomed to the noise. I left London 
and Mrs. Church's family and friends in good health on March 1st for 
Harwich, and went on board an English packet for Yarmouth, where I 
arrived on the ninth. I took passage on board the Dolphin packet bound 
for Cookshaven, a harbor on the river Elbe, with an assortment of jovial 
companions, Christians, Jews, French, English and Dutch, having fine 
favourable winds. A French frigate coming in sight, made the Captain 
crowd all the sails he had to outsail her, this liked to have done us all 
over, for the wind increasing we carried so much sail that the water came 
into the Cabin, however, we arrived the 12th Inst, without any material 
accident. The weather being very stormy prevented our landing till the 
14th when to our unspeakable felicity we once more had terra firma under 
our feet. Cookshaven is a miserable dirty village, the inhabitants all 
Germans ; their houses one story with sharp peaked roofs, and the floors 
large flat stones. The Women dress very singularly, they have Caps with 
large wings on each side as if they were preparing for a flying jaunt, they 
wore about Six petticoats (if one may judge by their appearance) reaching 
within a foot of their ancles, and wore wooden shoes. 

A Gentleman, who came passenger with us and who had been in Ger- 
many before, took the precaution of bringing his Carriage with him, and 
as he was going to Hamburg he politely offered me a seat in his carriage, 
which I accepted with pleasure, otherwise I should have been obliged to 
have gone -in an open Wagon and travel all night for better then one 
hundred and twenty miles. Although the dwellings are indifferent, the 
land is finely cultivated and that by the women, as the present War has 
thinned out their men for them, there being very few but old men and 
children. We left this place and arrived at Otterindorf where my Com- 
panion being an Englishman, requested he might pass for my servant, if 
the French were there ; fortunately for him they were not. This is an 
old fashioned town much like our old houses in Albany ; the people with 
the Cookshaven dress are ignorant, impolite and very inquisitive. On 
our arrival, scarcely ever having seen a handsome English carriage before 
this, they flocked round us that it was with some difficulty we got out 
into the house where our servant had informed them we were English 
officers, which made them very polite, for they left our room which 
they had filled with smoke issuing in clouds from their large horn pipes. 
There is no Character like a 3Iilitary one, to travel in Germany, it makes 
them at once obedient and submissive. After dinner we left and rode all 
night, passing through a number of fine Country villages and arrived at 
Stad, a fortified Town. It being about four in the morning we were 
closely questioned by the guard, we passed for officers going to the Army, 
they politely escorted us to the first Hotel. Soon after I retired, after 
having five feather beds taken from ofi" the one I was to sleep on, and 
still I had three under and one above me ; they use no blankets, they have 
also (a fortunate thing) a Cord made fast to the floor above, in order to 
draw yourself up by in the morning when you rise. We at last arrived 
at Harburg where we remained two days, the ice in the Elbe not per- 
mitting us to cross, on the third day we crossed and arrived safely at 
Hamburg. This is an old fashioned place, very commodious for Com- 
merce having Canals running through the City in every direction ; it has 
a few good houses in it, and I believe very few good people, chiefly Jews. 
I received a great deal of Civility from some of the Gentlemen to whom I 
had letters. It is not a very large place, though when 1 was there it con- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 119 

taincd twenty thousand Strnnjjcrs, French Kmitjrants, etc. I left Ilam- 
btiTL'h on the 2()th for an Island in the North Sea, called Schcrinercoe in 
a fisliiii^ hoat as all cuniniunicatioii with Holland was |)ri)hiliitcd ; and 
titer five days with very unjileasant and narrow escapes from Kni;li>h 
privateers, I am, thank the Supreme ut the Universe safely arrived in 
Amsterdam. This is a fine, clean, pleimin^ City; having Canals in every 
direction and fine lar^'e trees to walk under alonj; side of the canals. Our 
friends hero arc all well and re(|uest to be particularly rentcmbered to all 
friends; their names you will find in Papa's letter. They were very 
happy at my arrival and happy to It-arn their friends across the Atlantic 
were well. They are now eomin'j for my letters. My best love tt^ our 
amiable Mother; IJetsy and Peter Klmendorf with little Sally; and all 
our family small and lartre, and all friends who en<|uire alter me. My 
respects to Mr. i^ Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Fonda alias Miss lieeknian ; and rest 
assured 1 remain with every Sentiment of respect your affectionate Unither 
and Sincere friend 11. S. Van Uk.ns.sklaku. 

Miss Arriet Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany, N. Y. 

' Lieut. Vistclter to Capt. Van lienHtx'Uier. 

Dear Van : Greenville May IG, 1795. 

I wrote you a few days ago by Capt. Turner at which time I gave you 
the news that was then in circulation, since which I have been favoured 
with your letter of the lOth of March. I mentioned that a number of 
Officers have <^(jne on Kurlouf^h, amouf^ whom are Majors lliiskill, I?uell, 
Capts. Tillton, Andrews, Covington, Price, Lieuts. Posey, Taylor, Tri^rf^ 
&c. »!kc. Sinca my Ia.st to you nothinj; of consequence has transpired 
save the discharge of Capt. Sullivan by the sentence of a Court martial. 
I He was tryed for being intoxicated on a (jeneral Court Martial. This day 
I Lieut. Hastings Marks has been arrested by the oflicer of the day (M.ijor 
Winston) for being intjxicated on (Juard ; his fate you may conjecture. 
Major Winston is severe, exact and uniform in his duty, and shines among 
our first Majors, why do you not write to him ? I am sorry to find by your 
letter that you have got overwhelmed in love, and sincerely sorry to hear 
you hint of matrimony, if you are serious in this I shall uiake no other 
remark than this " look well before you leap." It strikes me that you 
might marry to better advantage a few years hence, I mean after travel- 
ing the world a lltth' more and gaining a Uttle more experience ; however 
we arc not all actuated by similar principles. I hope you liave not in- 
formed any ol'the females in your country that I am styled the handsome 
officer, if you have there must be a few hcart.s jialpitating for me. Pray 
tell them, I cannot accommodate all of tliem, and if I do not get a fur- 
lough this fall they must drop a tear and bid adieu. tJive my respects to 
two or three ladies, and to no other persons whatever ; let me hear from 
you twice a month. Your ever Sincere 

Capt. Sol, Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. X. N. I. VisscnER. 

The translation of a letter written in the DutcTi language 73 years 
since to my mother's mother from Holland. 

Mrs. Jan Jofob Van Rensselaer to Mrs. Philip Van Renst^ilatr. 
Dear .\unt : Amsterdam, 4th July, 1795. 

Though unacquainted with you I will not let pass the opportunity, as 
your Son Robert is going to America to send a letter. I can assure you, 



120 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

that, his unexpected visit has given us a great deal of pleasure, and we 
have been with our hearts much attached to him. We felt sorry that his 
Stay here was so limited, and that I could not pay more attention to him, 
considering the condition wherein I found myself then. 

Doubtless you have been aware how sad a trial I have had, by the 
Sudden death of my dear Husband, Jan Jacob van Rensselaer ; after 
suffering during eight days with Typhoid fever, and I then being enceinte. 
In the midst of all this, I have kept up, and hope to become in a short 
time " Mother ; " and when I remember how well your Son has been 
educated, then I know his mother must be very tender hearted, and I 
do not doubt she will Sympathize in my Sorrow as I was very happy in 
my marriage. May the Lord keep you and Spare you and your dear ones 
for you do experience how happy they are where love dwells. 

It will not be neceesary to enter into particulars about the family, while 
the bearer of this letter can do this better than I could do it in writing. 
I wish you would be so good to communicate to your Brother-in-law 
Kilian K. van Rensselaer, the death of my beloved husband, and that I 
have received his letter, and that I hope, that the death of my beloved 
Rensselaer may not be the cause that I should hear no more from "his 
family. 

If the life of my child should be preserved, may then the same friend- 
ship continue, which our friends in North America have manifested to- 
ward my husband. Our Cousin Kilian H. van Rensselaer has given you 
doubtless information about the useful life of my dear deceased. May 
the Lord grant that my child may follow his footsteps. Believe me that 
I recommend myself to your affections, and that I will always feel very 
happy to hear much good of you all, and from my Cousin Robert to whom 
we have fully given our affections. God grant to you, as a Mother of 
such a large family, to be a Support to them many years yet. Be so kind 
to assure all our North American friends of my affections and friendship, 
and that I remain Your Niece. 

S. C Bkeldsnyder Widow of Jan Jacob van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Philip Van Rensselaer, 

Cherry Hill near Albany, New York. 

How comforting, how soothing the reflection that Christians, when they 
die, become angels, and that angels take an active interest in the affairs 
of this world. Though unseen, unheard, unfelt, they move around, they 
hover over the loved home circle. By God's appointment, no doubt they 
are the guardian angels to watch over the bereaved ones they loved while 
on earth, and to protect them till again united in the skies. God tenderly 
allows no angel revelations, yet we know our " loved ones" are " minister- 
ing spirits" to us. 

Col. Pickering, Sec. of War, to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, War Office, Sept. 12, 1795. 

I received your letter of the 4th desiring to retain the public horse in 
your hands until the Spring, at your own expense ; or to pay for him at 
his value. I think the latter most eligible. The price may be settled 
with Mr. Houdin, and adjusted by means of your pay. 

I am Sir, your Obt. Servt. 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. Timothy Pickering. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 121 

lie was a larj^e, elegant, high-spiriteJ parade war horse of a very flossy 
sorrel color, that kept stop and pranced gayly with the martial music. It 
cauHcd keen rei^ret and seemed almost sucrileuious, to the brave soldier, 
,to part with his splendid ehar;^er that ha<l borne the dauntless rider 
throu;;h so many terrific scenes. The purchase was made ; and I well re- 
membt r, when Poppet was i'tilly caparisoned, what a noble ajtpearanco 
he made, lor he was remarkable both tor elegance of form and ^'allant 
carriai^e. At the whistle of his master, the intelligent animal would come 
prancing from one end of tho pasture, with neck so proudly arched, and 
whinnyiug with delight as he bounded with springy step to meet him 
at the bars. lie woubi then eat apples out of little hands, for we children 
made a great ado with, and dearly loved the petted horse. In eld ago 
this favorite charger, exempt from all duty, was boarded out in tho 
country and had the best of care till he died. In one of the battles, 
'General Wayne rode his gallant roan, and in charging the enemy, his 
horse received a wound in his head, and fell and was supposed dead. Two 
day8»:ifter the roan returned to the American camp, not materially injured, 
and wa:i again tit for seryicc. 

Capt. Webb to Capt. Van Renasdaer. 

Dear Rensselaer, Greenville, October 8, 1795. 

I am still here, with little Expectation of leaving (his for the Winter. 
There is but little Harmony in our Oorps. Taylor grumbles as well as 
myself, to sec Olhcers not half our time in .service daily obtaining fur- 
loughs, whilst our applications are thrown neglected by. Blue has once 
forced me to arrest him, having kept the Officers of the Corps in one con- 
tinual I'Y'rment. Indeed we are out at the Elbows on all sides. Tho 
Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Wayne, this day leaves us with Eight Com- 
panies, His Destination unknown, hut thowjht, that he intends to build a 
small Garrison at Larcimies Store or at Girty's Town, Destroy Fort Adams, 
& remove the Troops at that place to this new built Fort. He will then 
it is thought visit Forts Wayne and Defiance. Green Ville is very sickly, 
we have <3'>() men now in Hospital (and since this Detachment was or- 
dered) but three Captains for Duty including myself. Thus you find 
that whilst you, Covington and Posey are cutting ('apers, I am wheeling, 
marching and mounting (Juards, to the tune at |)resent of /jro nvjhti only 
in bill. What Dashes you must have made in and about Albany. I wisli 
from my soul I could spend Ten or fifteen days with you, that I might 
shew you a few Virginia ('apers with a Tip or twD of Eli. Your wound 
ia I hope no more troublesome, at least I conclude so from hearing that 
you were, not Long since in Philadelphia and I'rom whence 1 have in vain 
flattered myself that I should hear from you. This is my Sixteenth letter 
to you since you left mc, and in the Course of thirteen months I have re- 
ceived two from you. What in the name of the three Furies, Ti.ssiphone, 
Alectt), and Megara can you be at '{ An Elegant City close to your Door, sur- 
rounded by every Pastoral amusement, an easy Fortune atCommand and still 
you can not even take up your pen to tell your old Brother Ofirrr that you 
are happy. Had it been my Lot to have left you here, I should rather 
have pestered you with Letters than have remained Idle, and when I had 
enjoyed a Pleasure or a (iratification, I should again enjoy it as I gave 
you the Relation. Hut my Dear Fellow, what think you my being politely 
married? It is even so. Do for Heavens .sake, write and tell me what we 

10 



122 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

may expect to be the fate of our Little Legion. It is a prevailing opinion 
here that the third and fourth Sub Legions together with the Cavalry 
will be Disbanded. If so I will bid Adieu to all Service that may again 
be destined for this D— d Country, which is not really worth the blood 
lo^t by us on the 2Uth August —94. The Indians I do not believe will 
be Ion" at peace. They have buried only the old Tomahawk but I think 
they w^ill find a new one. How prettily you and Covington have slipped 
your neck out of the Noose. I am the only Captain of the Squadron 
called to Infantry duty and must patiently bear the burthen, for Taylor 
more fortunate than myself was placed at Cincinnati on the Recruiting 
service, and now Commands 25 Dragoons Mounted. 

I very frequently think of that sweet Cousin of yours, and am become 
extremely anxious to see her. If I dared I would say something pretty 
of Her. Present Her I beg of you with the Inclosed verses, and tell Her, 
that Though a Stranger to Her in person, I have been making particular 
enquiries, and that she must not be angry or think me forward when I 
declare that from Character only I am in Love with Her. That d\ my 
fear is I may not be as agreeable in her Eyes, as hpr ftincied Image is to me. 

Adieu my Dear Eensselaer, Visscher can give you all the little anecdotes 
of the Cantonment. May you be ever happy is the wish of your friend. 

Fearing to ofiend I would not enclose the verses, say not a word. 

John Webb, Junr., Capt. of L. Dragoons. 

Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

Light Dragoons, Near Albany, New York. 

The great Mohawk chief, Thayendanegea or Joseph Brandt, was directly, 
or indirectly engaged in the wars between the United States and Indians 
from 1789 to 1795, during which the bloody campaigns of Harmar, St. 
Clair, and Wayne took place, he also acted an important part in the affair 
of the north western posts, so long retained by Great Britain after the 
treaty of peace. " He was himself the principal war-chief of the Six 
Nations, and his name would chill the young blood by its very sound, and 
cause the lisping child, even within our day, to cling closer to the knee 
of it.s mother. As the master spirit of the Indians engaged in the British 
service during the war of the revolution, all the border massacres were 
charged upon him, but great injustice was done him in many instances." 

K. K. Van Rensselaer to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

^\"/l^' . Albany Nov 29, 1795. 

* * * I received letters from our friends in Amsterdam on July 20th, 
... ,,,.-... ^^ 

after 
^ . .. , ays this was the flower of the 

l;innly tlic others J. C k A. V. Rensselaer liave written a friendly letter, 
and the wife of Jan Jacob also, they have anxiously waited for Killian 
and as Robert writes liis father it appears Killian must have been afavo- 
V^*"" M 'i?'''^'^''^"^ ^ '^'^^'' *"'■'-'"' y^ur cousin Robert S. Van Rensselaer 
•late.l llahJax October IJOth by the Boston post, in which he mentioned 
that he was t:.ken in the ship Olive Branch, Captain Provost, by the 
Argonaut Man of War. I am fearful Robert may suffer loss, and I am 
cfTf.-iiM our Duteli friends will, who had property on board consigned to 
M r. i hon.a.s Storm Merchant of New York. You may do well to inquire 
ironi .Mr. Storm what property it is. I have written him, on this inform- 



* * 



an<l am sorry to inform you that Jan Jacob V. Rensselaer the great frienc 
and j)atron of your brother Killian H. died the 5th of february last, afte 
a sickness of Eight days aged 48y & 5days this was the flower of th( 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 123 

ation from Robert's account. Study economy and partake not of all the 
frivolous amusements of the City. Read and learn so that you may 
improve for a busy scene. Write me where Killian sails to, so that I may 
get him to purchase what I may want, provided he does not come up. 
Accept your Aunts and the children's compts. ^ Xr 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer K. K. Van Rensselaer. 

of Light Dragoons now at New York. 

This capturing vessels and respecting no flag was the occasion of much 
trouble, the officers were treated as prisoners of war, but the crew were 
compelled to labor as slaves, taken without leave from American ships 
and impressed into the British naval service. This had long been a topic 
of complaint and negotiation. 

Lieut. Blue to Capt Van Rensselaer. 

My Dear Van, New York May 21st 1796. 

I am now on my way to West Point to act as Judge Advocate at a 
Court of inquiry to be held on Lt. Col. Rochfontain upon Certain Charges 
exhibited against him by all his officers at West Point, if he is supposed 
guilty of the Charges I shall be obliged to remain for the Court Martial, 
at all events I shall be there from 15 to 20 Days and if Circumstances will 
permit, I hope that you will surely pay me an old intimate friend a Visit 
as it is out of my power to come to Albany. The lower House passed a 
bill for the Reduction of the Army but the Senate I believe have Rejected 
it, our 3Iajor has proved himself to be just what you never hesitated to say 
amongst yonr friends you thought him. Lieut. Webb has turn'd out 
differently, you thought him an Honest Hearted man, but his Heart is 
by far blacker than the bearskin on your Cap. Taylor is in Philadelphia 
and desires to be affectionately remembered to you. To my sorrow Posey 
our good and confidential friend you know has resigned. Slough, Sedan 
and Price have lately resigned also. The Major and his friendship may 
both go to hell. I have a better, a more powerfuU and more confidential 
friend in my General, and while I can maintain his good will, I feel easy 
(acting with propriety) I commanded his escort through the Wilderness 
who bore my expences home. Come to West Point if you can & believe 
me to be what you once did. ,, r • ^ ^ir t^ i>i 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. ^^"'^ ^^'^^^ ^^- ^^- ^'"^- 

Lieut. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Sir, West Point June 17th 179G. 

This being a rainy day and every thing around appearing gloomy & 
dull, I have no friend to whom I can communicate my feelings but you, I 
must therefore to calm the force of woe again trouble you with some ob- 
servations on myself. I think I may now style myself a just resemblance 
of the weeping willow, and in the words of a poet you may 

Mark the Solemn notes while pleading 
Speak the tumults of my mind,' 
Hear them softly interceding 
Softly telling She's unkind ! 

I need not tell you, for you well know that I allude to Miss Patty (Maria) 
Gansevoort. The dread of being treated with disdain and to avoid the 
mortification of a personal denial are the sole reasons why I have never 



124 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

acquainted her with the confusion of my mind. Now, alas ! I am informed 
she is actually enijaped to Mr. Hun!! Heavens and earth ! how un- 
edually paired ! Why does she not prefer me ? but Love is guided surely 
by f-ite What makes me love may make her hate, I have too good an 
opinion 'of her understanding to suppose that she tvould prefer him for 
his better circumstances. Let me know whether this match is really to 
take place Write me by the post at once and direct your Letter to be 
left at the post office at Peeksville. The last part of your letter my dear 
A^an has given me much uneasiness, I mean with respect to Miss P. (x. 
You'say you have enclosed me a piece of Gold lea/on which are engraved 
Twelve dozen Sweet Kisses as a memento of the friendship embosumed 
for me by the charming Miss Patty. I fear I have not been so fortunate, 
and that you have only acted thus to raise my expectations, explain this 
to me seriously, in the meantime I must request you to mention me as a 
person who entertains the highest opinion of her accomplishments. Dear 

Van, ever yours N. L ViSSCHER. 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer Green Busti. 

Lieut. Visscher to Capt Van Rermelaer. 
Dear Van West Point June 20, 1796. 

I cannot keep from you the adventure of this day; three Officers and 
myself went down the Kiver a small distance in a pleasure Boat; seeing 
an Albany Sloop we boarded her, where to my surprise I saw Miss Corne- 
lia Schuyler, Miss Westerlo and some others, but not having the pleasure 
of being acquainted with either of them I could not with propriety pake 
my bow and introduce my friends, we remained ou board the Sloop [I mean 
on deck] till we got opposite to West Point where we left them, and you 
may judge how mortified I felt, and still do at this moment. Yesterday 
Mr. Lovell and myself crossed the river and took Tea with the two Miss 
Dennings, they are from N. York and will spend the Summer at their 
farm about two miles from this, they are beautiful and amiable. Miss 
Cooper was with us a few days ago, I escorted her from the Vessel and 
was quite the (Jallant; if you see her tell her I am quite clever and a 
great deal icrou(/ht by her appearance. The enclosed I wrote a few days 
ago, I wish you could have an opportunity of reading it to the Lady, not 
telling her from whom it is till you come to the name; she will in that 
case have no objections to hear it. It is remarkable that I have not yet 
had a Letter from you, I hope you have not yet, at this early period for- 
got nic. There has lately been a Duel fought at Head Quarters between 
Lt. Elliott of the Artillery aud Ensign Scott, the former is dangerously 
wounded Capt. llecd and Kns. Breeck are both dead. IngersoU arrived 
a few days ago. Col. Rochfontaine has been restored to his command. 
Remember me to all. Yours xt t -tr 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. N. I. ViSSCHER. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer to the Secretary of War. 
Sir, Albany June 20th 1796. 

I have the Honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letter of the 
14th Inst, together with a Copy of the Act relative to the Military esta- 
bli.shnicnt of the Cnitcd States. I should wish to be considered as one 
of that establishment, altho' my health is much impaired occasioned by 
the wound I received ou 20th of August 1794, yet I have a hopeful 
prospect that in a few months I will be rendered capable of discharging 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 125 

that duty which I have been intrusted with, and which was my greatest 

pleasure. Having abandoned at an early part of my life every prospect 

held out by my friends here, I entered the Army very young, with an 

unalterable determination to follow the profession of arms, and should it 

now be my lot to be obliged to retire in consequence of my wound, it 

would be a circumstance I should unwillingly subscribe to as there is no 

active service, I should hope for a farther indulgence, but whether I am 

intitled to any or not, and lor how long a time, I submit to you Sir, with 

diffidence. I have the honor &c. ^ •\r -n 

v^ V «. Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

To The Hon. T. Pickering, Secretary of War. 

The Secretary of War *» Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, War Office July 2, 179G. 

I have received your letter of the 20 instant. I am exceedingly happy 

to learn that your wound will not prevent you from continuing in the 

military service of your Country. As your presence with the Army will 

not be indispensably necessary till near the time of the new arrangement 

taking place, you will be pleased to consider yourself as on furlough until 

the first day of October next. t o- v u j- * c * 

•' I am Sir, Your obedient Servant 

Ca'pt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. James M. Henry, Sec. of War. 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to 7iis Consin. 
My dear Flarriot, Albany, July 18, 1796. 

I should have written to my loved one before this, had 1 not been 
obliged to go to Lansingburgh on business for my unfortunate Father. 
He suflfers terribly from his wound, and his troubles are great beyond 
conception ; and not a small share of them are thrown on the shoulders 
of one who has it not in his power to extricate him any further than the 
troublesome part of it. I shall not enter on a detail of my business there 
but when we meet I shall tell you all, I have gained your affections and 
your tender bosom shall not experience any unnecessary pain caused by 
the one who is so interested in you. I found on my return, here, a letter 
from the God of War, James Mc Henry of Maryland, as I think it my 
duty to give my Harriot every pleasure in my power to offer, and shall 
through life, 1 will insert in this a copy of the letter, knowing if it does 
not please, it cannot displease her. 1 have not shown it to any but my 
own family. Judge for yourself, the following is a copy : " I have re- 
ceived your letter of the 20th Inst. I am exceedingly happy to learn that 
your wound will not prevent you from continuing in the military service 
of your Country. As your presence with the Army will not be indispen- 
sably necessary till near the time of the new arrangement taking place, 
you will be pleased to consider yourself as on furlough until the first day 
of October next." . 

Whilst other officers of our Corps are ordered on, I am suffered to re- 
main with my friends and will have had a furlough for two years, when 
it is expired. This indulgence is certainly very great, more considerate 
and kind than I could have had any idea of. I had quite a decent wash- 
ing by the time I reached Albany, for it was raining v5ry fast. I thought 
of the imprudence in my case of being wet, and eould not apply to myself 
the preacliing I cannot prevent my saying to you '' to take care of your- 
self." In this instance business and my word of honor called me here to 
day at 3 o'clock, so 1 had to face the storm, but have found no iueonvcnieuce 
from so doin<r. 



126 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Mrs Kane has returned ; when I called there Mr. Kane was good 
enou.'h to take me up stairs to show me their fineries : a beautiful paper 
for the room c^'c, a Carpet that cost £65, a pair of Looking-glasses for the 
like sum and a "reat many other curious and fine articles, i had the honor 
of in^noctincr. Mrs. Ludlow told Mrs. Kane that if you would not write 
to her daughter, she thought you might do so to her. Tomorrow I shall 
visit Cherry Hill when I hope to find them as well as they have been this 
day. I suppose you must have heard that Mr. and Mrs. Douw Fonda 
passed throuirh Schenectady on Sunday, it was in consequence of a letter 
that his ])reseuce was necessary the following day at Caughnawaga. they 
do not return until the last of next week. You know last year Mr. Fonda 
toixethcr with Henry Fonda commerfced to build a number of houses on 
the Caughnawaga flats and the Coffin is now quite a little hamlet. Your 
Sister inlendedlo have accompanied them, but at that time was at Cherry 
Hill ; she says when yon have made your visit and return home, she will 
go up with your Father and Mother. Adieu my Lovely Harriot would 
to Heavens I could see you now and repeat the garden scene, how happy 
would be your unfeigned & unalterable g^^^ y^^^ Rensselaer. 

Miss Harriot Van Rensselaer, bcotia. 

A large black stone, resembling a coffin, in the Mohawk river, originated 
the name. 

The translation of a letter written in the Dutch language. 

/. O. Van Stapliorst to Robert 8. van Rensselaer. 

New York den 2 Sept : 1796. 

Mynheer ! The inclosed, I have received from Madame van Rensselaer 
from Amsterdam, requesting to hand it to you, being informed that you 
reside for the present at Albany, I take the liberty to forward it to you. 
If my affairs and health did permit me, I would have given it to you per- 
sonally, in order to have had the pleasure to become personally acquainted 
■with you. 

You will permit me Sir, to explain to you, the cause, why this letter, 
which had been intrusted to me, is received by you in Such a Condition. 

On the :>d day of April I Sailed from the port of Texel, in the American 
Ship Minerva, Captain Clarkson, and was taken the 10th day of May by 
the English in Halifax, and pronounced a prisoner, and robbed of all my 
jiapers and letters. The 4th day of July being discharged on parole, I 
recjuested for my papers, and received them in a miserable condition, and 
all opened. After receiving them, I have all sealed them, and this accounts 
for the bad condition in which you have received this letter. I am Sorry 
indeed that I could not perform my commission better. 

He so kind when you meet Madame van Rensselaer to assure her of 
my esteem. Remaining Sir ! Your obedient Servt. 

J. G. VAN Stapiiorst. 

Den Heer R. S. Van Rensselaer, in Albany, New York. 

Robert _S. Van Rensselaer to Jus Sister. 
Dear Arrictt, London, September 10, 1796. 

I hope ere this you have received some intelligence from me of my safe 
Arrival in this City after a very moderate and pleasant passage of about 
thirty day.s until wo arrived at (i raves-End where we left the Ship and 
cam.! up by l.irid through a dcligiitful and cultivated Country to London. 
^V(• lia<l two Liidy passengers, one of whom, a Miss Nugent, came out to 



Le(?acy of Historical Gleanings. 127 

be married to an American Gentleman, Mr. Broom from New York, she 
being a wcUbred woman, added not a little to our pleasure. Mr. Church 
resides now about Eight miles from the City, in a very neat Country 
house, to which place I frecjuently resort to retire from the noise and 
bustle of a City life, which becomes almost insupportable. Walking being 
very fashionable, and it suiting an American purse, I generally trudge it 
on foot, anticipating the pleasures 1 shall enjoy when I arrive ; they being 
happy in seeing me, and treat me with every politeness imaginable. The 
difference between Mrs. Church and the other members of Gen. Schuy- 
ler's family, near us in Albany, is inconceivable. She all affectionate and 
polite, endeavoring to please those around her, while the others, first kin 
to the fallen Angel, are swelling with pride and pomposity. At times I 
scarcely know what line of distinction to draw between theiamily; certain 
I am there can be no comparison of the worth and amiable disposition of 
this One and the avaricious minds of those in America, though I hope as 
our Climate changes, it may effect their minds and mould them at least 
to Civility and render them more acceptable generally to Society. 

Time hanging heavy and not much to attend to, I took a ride to Oxford 
about Eighty miles from this, visited the different Colleges, twenty-one 
in number, and then went to view Blenheim House, the Seat of the Duke 
of Malborough, This is without Exception one of the most pleasant 
situations I ever beheld, it is a paradise ; in imagination you would think 
yourself in a land of faries to behold the inside. I shall endeavour to 
give you a slight description, being confident I am not able to recollect 
every Scene I be+ield there. In this Country, all the famous Seats go by the 
appellation of Castles ; this one is situated about seven miles from Oxford. 
You enter the Park through a spacious portal of the Corinthian order of 
architecture, from whence a fine view opens of the noble Castle, bridge, 
lake and many other beautiful Scenes of the Park, which is stocked with 
Deer, Sheep, and Birds of various kinds. The Front of the House from 
wing to wing is three hundred and forty-eight feet, and on the South I'ront 
on the pediment towards the garden, is a bust larger than life of Louis 
the Fourteenth taken in battle from Tournay in France. On the Top of 
the house is a large Reservoir which supplies the Castle with water from 
an artificial made river. I entered the Hall, which is really magnificent, 
being the height of the house and of proportionable breadth, supported 
by Corinthian Pillars. Over the door is the Bust of the first proprietor 
John, Duke of Malboro', and a number of other beautiful busts. On the 
right and left are several marble termini, with two excellent Statues of a 
Nymph and a Bacchanal. The painted Ceiling allegorically representing 
Victory crowning John of Malborough, and pointing to a plan of the 
Battle of Blenheim. I then entered the Bow-window Room and being 
an American, consequently very inquisitive, I inquired the use &c. of the 
room, which the old servant very innocently replied, was intended to look 
at. It's window commanding a number of pleasant prospects, and de- 
corated with Klegant Pictures, such as the Virgin and Child, St. John. 
Nicholas and other Saints; over tha doors were tine heads made of Marble 
elegantly executed. The Duke's Dressing room contained a number of 
excellent Paintings by the first Artists such as Palma, Titian, Weeni and 
a Score of others. There were in this room some paintings particularly 
fiire ; an Inside view of a Church ; the Destruction of Pharaoh and his 
Host in the Red Sea; a Spanish Sea-port &c., The rest of the unneces- 
sary appendages were contained in his dressing-room, which was small 



128 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

but very neat indeed. The Drawing-Room has also a number of fine 
Paintings: the Holy Family; the Marchioness de Harvre; Mary de 
Medicos by the famous painter Van Dyke ; the portrait of Will am the 
Third; an Annunciation ; Lady Chesterfield ; Philip of Spain ; Andromeda 
chained to a rock ; a French Camp ; the Spencer family c\:c This Drawing- 
room i-^ furnished with crimson damask. The Grand Cabinet contains 
more pictures, and is also furnished with crimson damask.. The Paintings 
were particularly Striking and I took out my pencil to minute them : 
first a Holy Family by Kubens ; a Madona standing on a Globe, surrounded 
by Angels ; the offering of the Magi by Rubens ; our Saviour blessing the 
Children ; Filial affection exemplified in the Roman daughter; Return of 
our Saviour from Egypt; Lot's departure from Sodom ; a Virgin, her bead 
encircled with Stars, supposed the Miraculous Conception; a female 
Penitent &c., with a column of others. The Blue Drawing-room is only 
distinguished by its blue colour damask, with Elegant Paintiogs, Statuary 
kc. The Winter-room has a representation of the Cardinal Virtues &c. 
The other rooms which are numerous, are distinguished as abounding 
with very Elegant Tapestry and Paintings representing the Battles of the 
I)uke of .Alulbro', who to be sure was very famed in History, for his 
Courage and many glorious Contests he had with the Enemy. The 
Rooms shewn to us were, the Dining-room ; the Saloon ; Green Drawing- 
room ; State-room ; State Bed-Chamber and the Library. The last is an 
Klcant room of about two hundred feet in length; the Window frames 
and surrounding basement of blush marble ; and the Ceiling stuccoed in 
a most Elegant manner. It contains about twenty-four tltbusaud Volumes, 
besides several thousands of Manuscripts. At one end of the room stands 
a highly finished Statue of Queen Ann, who presented John, Duke of 
Malbro' with this Scat, for the many glorious Deeds he had done in the 
French Wars. The Chapel is in one of the Wings, and a very tine one 
it is, having a beautiful Monument to the first Duke and Duchess. The 
Altar-piece was our Saviour taken down from the Cross. The Park is 
Eleven miles in circumference and contains many delightful Scenes ; the 
love of rural variety may be entertained here with every circumstance of 
beauty which can be Expected from diversified nature in hills, valleys, 
water, woods &c. There are not less than five or six Ships arrived here 
8incc my arrival, and to my very great disappointment have not received 
a single line from any of the family. This I cannot Account for, how- 
ever liope you will shortly make up for it and I shall have the pleasure 
of hearing from you all that you Enjoy the same good health I do at 
j>rcsent. My best Respects to Mama, Papa and all the dear family large 
and small, with Sentiments of true Esteem, I remain your very affectionate 
brother. R. S. Van Rensselaer. 

,Miss Arrietta Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. 

"The Duke uf Marlborough's magnificent residence is one hour's dis- 
tance by carriage from the town of ancient Woodstock, This earthly 
para«li8c was erected during the reign of Queen Anne, and presented by 
the British nation to the great Duke of Marlborough after his glorious 
victory, parliament voting §2,500.000 for that purp'ose. The paVk, con- 
Msting of 2.700 acres, is tilled with flocks of sheep and herds of deer, and 
IS considered the most glorious domain the sun ever shone upon. The 
immediate grounds surrounding the palace, which is situated near the 
borders of a lovely lake, are filled with trees, plants, and flowers from 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 129 

every quarter of the j?lobe, the whole embellished with lovely walks, 
fountains, and water falls. In the centre of the lawn Stands a Corinthian 
pillar 13U feet hi^^h, surmounted by a statue of the duke. On the pede- 
stal are inscribed his public services, written by Lord B()lin<j;brokc. The 
principal front of the building is 350 feet long. The interior is magnifi- 
cently finished, and contains a fine collection of sculptures and paintings; 
among the latter are some of Titian's and Rubens's masterpieces. The 
library is 200 feet long, and contains nearly 18,000 volumes. Woodstock 
was the birth place of the illustrious IJlack Prince. How different too 
now is London the metropolis of the United Kingdom of Great Britian, 
and the most wealthy city in the world with its population of 3,000,000 
to the aspect it presented in those early times. Before the conflagration in 
1666, London was totally inelegant, inconvenient, and unhealthy, of which 
latter misfortune many melancholy proofs are authenticated in history, and 
which no doubt proceeded from the narrowness of the streets, and the 
unaccountable projections of the buildings, that confined the putrid air, 
and joined with other circumstances, such as the want of water, rendered 
the city seldom free from pestilential devastation. The fire which con- 
sumed the greatest part of the city, dreadful as it seemed, was productive 
of permanent benefit." 

A Wedding Invitdtion for 1776. 
Maria Gansevoort's Compliments to Miss Van Rensselaer and requests 
the honor of her Company to morrow evening at Six O'Clock, 
To Miss Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. Wednesday Morning. 

My mother (then Miss V. R ) has written on the invitation the follow- 
ing : "This was an invitation to a wedding September 22nd, 1776. 
Thursday evening Maria Gansevbort was married to Abraham Hun, just 
7 o'clock. N.B. the gentleman stood on the left! There was a violent 
gust of wind with thunder, lightning and rain." These were the parents 
of our respected kinsman, Thomas Hun, M.D. 

" The first tec( party in Schoharie county was given by one of the Vroo- 
inan family. When the enlivcner was announced as ready, the party 
gathered about the round table upon which stood not a morsel of any- 
thing to eat except a liberal lump of maple sugar, placed beside each 
cup. The true ancient Dutch custom always placed a lump of sugar be- 
side each cup. In doing the honors of a tea table, the question will you 
hite or stir ? was always propounded. The tea was served out of a 
majestic delft tea-pot, ornamented with paintings of fat little Dutch 
shepherds and shepherdesses tending pigs, with boats sailing in the air, 
and houses built in the clouds. The olikoekjes, small round cakes with 
raisins in the centre and fried in lard, were not forgotten ; nor the koek- 
jes, small sweet cakes. Sometimes the company of eight or ten persons 
would be seated around the old fashioned genial board, each with a spoon 
eating from a single dish of supaan enriched by fresh sweet milk. At 
these primitive banquetings the utmost propriety and dignity of deport- 
ment prevailed. No flirting nor coquettting. The young ladies seated 
themselves demurely in their rush bottomed chairs, and knit their own 
woolen stockings, nor ever opened their lips except to answer any ques- 
tion that was asked tliem. As to the gentlemen, each of them tranquilly 
smoked his pipe and studied the blue and white tiles around the fire-place." 

17 



130 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Capt. Wm. Mackea to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 
J. gjj Alexandria, 12th January 1797. 

It is now ei<'ht days since I arrived at this place, which time I have 
employed umch to my satisfaction, and was surprised at not finding a few 
lines fh.n. you as I had wrote you from New York The evening before 
Heft I'hihuielphia we heard of Genl. Wayjie's death, [In December 1796,] 
thi^ will certainly make an alteration in AflFairg. You are in Mourning I 
eunpo-e a-reeable to the Genl. Orders. Let me know if you have heard 
from Visscher and when and how he is. I would say more but it is near 
post time of departure. j ^^ g- j.^ y^^^ ^^^.y Qbedt Servant. 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Wm. Mackea. 



CHAPTER VI. 
Cumberland Line. 



Ariantie or Harriet, my mother, was the fifth child of Col. Philip Van 
Rensselaer and Maria Sanders, born at Cherry Hill September 3d, 1775. 
She was lovely in disposition, and retained a freshness and youthfulness 
of heart even in old age. In her elevated social position she had every 
wordly advantage obtainable in those '' soul stirring times," was accus- 
tomed to the luxuries of wealth and fully appreciated the amenities of her 
childhood's home. While she did not by any means ignore the gayety 
and plea.sures of life, she served God with a pure and unselfish heart, and 
always seemed " to walk worthy of the vocation " to which she was called. 
Gifted with a lively temperament, ever joyous and happy, with pleasing 
manners, and a general favorite with old as well as young persons, it was 
not surprising she had many suitors. One wealthy burgher seemed the 
chosen son-in-law selected by my august grandmother. The good lady 
was well aware of her daughter's preference for her cousin Solomon, and 
that his love was incalculably more precious, than the worthy burgher's 
glittt'ring gold and guilders; but that could not be countenanced. Her 
gentle and delicate daughter marry a poor soldier cousin ! no indeed. 
She well knew that cousin was a noble minded gentleman, but it mattered 
not; and with a twinkling expression of triumph and satisfaction in my 
granilniother's eye which even her spectacles could not conceal, and an 
ominous shake of her head, would say, " I will prevent such an unwise 
Btep." (Jrandpapa I)e Ileer Philip however fully appreciated the soldier's 
worth ; he was proud of his nephew ; and all his sympathies were freely 
eoli.stcd on liis much loved daughter's side, and occasionally a merry 
twiuklc was perceptible in his benignant eye as he quietly took a survey 
of the tender surveillance of his stately dame. Even in olden times the 
phlegmatic Dutchmen some times indulged in a little romance; nor was 
)t surprising that J)e lleer Philip decided that for once the "course of 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 131 

true love should run smoothly." So one cold frosty afternoon January 
17, 1797, the good vrouw was enjoying her siesta and dozing on the 
sofa by a nice warm fire, while magnificent black Pompey, with his crisped 
woolly head and shining negro face, his large mouth grinning from ear 
to ear displaying a set of beautiful white teeth • with a proud and con- 
tented mien had mounted guard at the door of a certain room. Then 
Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer was, with the full consent and approba- 
tion of De Heer Philip, united in the bonds of matrimony to his loved 
Harriet by the venerable Domine Van Vranken of Fishkill, in the pres- 
ence of her father and two of her brothers. After the happy ceremony, 
the domine and the trumphant bridegroom climbed out the back window, 
and the good old dame was none the wiser. She did not know the gallant 
and handsome Solomon was her son, till so informed a fortnight after by 
her good spouse. Then like a sensible woman as she was, with perhaps a 
shade of disappointment crossing her bright and good humored face that 
her cherished plans were thus unwittingly thwarted, made the best of 
what was inevitable and was fully reconciled to the event. She was one 
who in disappointments, or indeed " in every emergency turned to Grod 
as her helper and could say : " Blessed is he who, when the waves of 
sorrow or temptation are sweeping over him, is able to find the hand of 
God, and calmly to rest in his infinite strength." In after years when 
her own excellent husband was numbered with the dead, she made her 
home with this same daughter, receiving every care and warmest love 
from both of her dear children. It certainly was rather mysterious, and 
did seem like a preconcerted scheme, how the good domine happened to 
be on hand that special afternoon ; but ho frequently was a welcome guest 
at the hospitable mansion, and most domines then as now, were never 
averse to a substantial meal. That day the clever, quizzical Cornale sur- 
passed herself in her particular forte, exquisite cookery, and the grand en- 
tertainment gave great satisfaction to the unsuspectingamiable vrouw. The 
joyful news, however, found its way to the kitchen, causing aflutter of ex- 
citement. The grinning sable dignitaries (with all of whom, the Hester kint, 
Miss Harriet, was a great favorite), loving a frolic, were entirely unanimous 
in the opinion that dust had been thrown in grandma's eyes. They rejoiced 
that their lynx-eyed old missus had for once been outwitted, while they 
afiirmed the face of the bonnie bride now wore a bright and cheery look. 
The humorous jokes of the loquacious darkies who were all " woolly-hcadod, 
and as black as the ace of spades " was the broadest farce of that eventful 
day. After judicious consultation between the mynheer and his amiable 
vrouw, a marriage portion was given to their beloved daughter, of a fine 
tract of land which they called Mount Hope. This beautiful site, then 
in the country, in Bethlehem two miles from the town, was a thick forest; 
many of the majestic trees were felled, the ground cleared and a spacious 
garden laid out with very wide walks; the culture of this farm was an 
occupation of great delight to my father who had an enthusiastic love for 
agricultural pursuits, and to this Mount Hope he was brought prostrate 
and suffering from the battle ground of 1812. 

Cherry Hill, the ancient homestead, was left by my grandparents 
to their son Philip P., who was a most estimable and upright man, but 
unfortunately became involved, and after the death df that gentleman in 
1827, the place was to be sold at public auction. A friend of the family, 
Peter Boyd, Esq., wrote to my father, who was greatly surprised to know 
the fact, and at the solicitation of my mother, who could not endure the 



132 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

thought of its going out of the family, he purchased the old mansion 
with its grounds. Subsequently he sold Mount Hope to Ezra Prentice, 
Esq., its' present occupant and proprietor, who revels in its luxuriance of 
beauty. After only a brief honey-moon, the groom. Captain Van Kensse- 
laer, in March, 1797, went to Philadelphia with the intention of resigning 
his commission, as he very naturally desired to retire to private life and 
enjoy the happiness of his own cherished home. The beauty of such a 
placid life did not however seem at that time to be in store for him. At 
the war office he met General Wilkinson, and when, with the high prin- 
ciple of honor which he possessed, he informed his ci-devant commander 
that he was there with a view to resign, General Wilkinson and Secretary 
Mcllenry laid an embargo on that proceeding. They interposed a stren- 
uous opposition on the ground that his valued services were required for 
a delicate, perhaps dangerous duty which they were aware he would 
faithfully perform ; to aid and protect the commissioners running the 
Cumberland line. A blank furlough was given him, with the power to 
fill it at his own discretion. Though far from well, he would not refuse ; 
such a mark of confidence induced him to consent, and the heroic, self- 
denying soldier returned to bid his bride farewell for a season, and re- 
linquished all the true endearments of home, while he promptly responded 
to his country's call for further arduous duties in her service. The 
noble-minded wife, forgetting self, bade him " God speed j" his arrange- 
ments were soon made and he en route to the army. 

Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, War Office, March 2d, 1797. 

The necessity of the service requiring your immediate presence, with 
your company, you will be pleased, without delay, to repair hither, where 
you will receive further orders. 

I am, Sir, with esteem, Your obed* Serv^ 

James McHenry. 

I have before me a large bundle of valuable letters from which I make 
a few extracts. After a sad parting from his loved bride, he went with 
his body servant to'New York on board of one of the North river sloops ; 
it was in those days a voyage of a week from Albany, then by stages to 
Philadelphia. He says : " The roads are exceedingly bad ; myself, Jake 
and the horses are nearly worn out." 

The following is part of a letter penned seventy-eight years ago. 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to Ids Wife. 
My Dear Harriet, Philadelphia, April 17, 1797. 

On Friday last I reached this place in tolerable health, but great de- 
pression of spirits. I have been advised by disinterested persons not to 
go on. they fear my delicate constitution cannot endure the' hardships. 
I leave tomorrow and expect to arrive at Pittsburgh in about nine days, 
if the riding is not too much. The Secretary of War has advised me to 
take my own time, and not to travel in wet weather ; this however I shall 
not much attend to ; the quicker I go on, the sooner I shall return to my 
lovely wife. 1 shall 'be obliged to stay at Fort Washington longer than 
I expected to wait for necessary articles to equip my Troop. I have been 
pea.singly confined since I came here, in sitting twice a day to have my 
Miniature taken by Stuart, a masterly artist; it" was finished this evening 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 133 

and will follow this letter on Thursday, with a request that it may be for- 
warded to you, by a careful Albany skipper. The price for painfin<r was 
fifty Dollars, although it is extravagant, yet with much satisfaction did I 
pay for it, as it was intended to give you pleasure. The likeness is not 
as striking a one, as he took for President Washington and Gen. Wilkin- 
son, in my e^es. Farewell my love ; this time tomorrow I will be a much 
greater distance from you and that must be so for some time to come. 
Farewell, a sad word, but it must be so. God preserve you, and may 
every happiness attend you. Farewell my dear, lovely wile look forward 
with patience to our happy meeting in October or Sooner, once more with 
you, never, never will I leave you more again, adieu, good night my 
dearest Harriet. 



c06u^faXJujiA^ — >i 



Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer. » 

" The first portrait of Washington by Stuart created a great sensation 
on its appearance in Philadelphia." 

Capt. Van Eensselaer to his Wife. 

My Dearest Wife, Philadelphia April 19, 1797. 

* * * * The weather is fair. I send you my Traveling-Case, which 
I find, I cannot take with me, the inclosed key will open both locks, it 
requires however some exertion to open them ; it cost me six and a half 
dollars. The case would have been of use to me if I could have taken it 
on with convenience, but I shall not incommode myself with it when 1 
have one to send it to, whom I prefer should have it before myself; it is 
yours and my very soul accompanies it which you have long possessed 
as you well know * * * * The Limner tells me, if you keep the 
Miniature in your hands until the Ivory gets warm it will warp, it is iu 
the case. My horses are ready and I must leave this in a few moments 
after delivering the Case. God preserve you to repay with happiness 
for the days of misery I endure in my absence from my loved Harriot. 

Your aflectionate Husband 
Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. SoL. Van Rensselaer. 

In its red morocco-case lined with white satin was placed this exquisitely 
painted miniature ; it is on ivory, (executed by the eminent portrait painter 
Gilbert Stuart,) and is set in gold, with my father's and mother's hair in 
the center of the back. The initials " S & H.V.K." are interwoven in 
gold letters on the glass over the hair. His noble, handsome features 
are perfect 3 those dark brown, flashing, speaking eyes could not be sur- 
passed J the black hair is well powdered and braided behind in the fashion- 
able cue. His full wide rufilc shirt, black satin stock, his military blue 
coat with its red facings and wide red collar turned over, bright epaulets 
and black leather sword strap with United States arms inscribed on its 
shield across his shoulder, are all items of fond scrutiny to loving hearts. 
His wife writes :" 1 cannot tell you how the tirstsightof your Miniature 
afiected me, it was sometime before I could recover myself. Methiuks I 



134 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

never saw a better likeness, but as you observed rather too much Gravity for 
you. It is my constant companion and far preferable to any other, although 
a Silent one ; could I enjoy my wi.sh it should be my only one till the 
return ul'the beloved original." No wonder his tender-hearted wife wept 
with joy and was transported in ecstasy when she received this excellent 
semblance of her loved one. 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My Lovely Harriot, Pittsburg, April 28, 1797. 

I arrived at this place in eight days precisely from Philadelphia in pretty 
good health ; having passed through the beautiful valleys, romantic dells, 
and looking with your eyes at the grand, the picturesque scenery along the 
windingriversof this noble State and over its lofty mountains ; all accom- 
plished'^in safety with scalp still on my head ! I found to my Sorrow that Gen- 
eral Wilkinson had left this three days since for Fort Washington. I have 
some expectation of following him tomorrow, but in this I am not very clear, 
owing to the scarcity of men to mao the boats down the Ohio. Doctor 
Carmichael and some OflScers go down in about a week, they want to per- 
suade me to wait for them, but this I shall not consent to if I can do other- 
wise. I wish for the Society of no one in this part of the Country. It 
makes me unhappy to see any one pleased who is in the situation I once 
was happily placed. I therefore wish to be with my command; to attend 
strictly to their discipline and Police will assist me in killing time in this 
far ofi' country. What tedious months must elapse before I am again re- 
stored to happiness and what a great length of Teri^tory must I pass over 
before my eyes once more encounter the dear object of its wishes, but thank 
Heavens the distance is not as great as I contemplated. I am told by the 
officers here, that I am not to go farther than Knoxville owing to circum- 
Btances of an uuforseen nature turning up. [Knoxville in Tennessee is 
upon the Holston river, four miles from its junction with the French 
IJroad and is 2U4 miles southeast of Lexington, Kentucky. " The city is 
delightfully situated, and affords a pleasant place of resort. It was laid 
out in 17'J4 and is famous for its manufacture of window glass. The caves 
and mounds in Tennessee are wonderful. In Coifee county, not far from 
Manchester, there is an ancient stone fort, enclosed by a wall, upon which 
trees are growing, whose age is supposed to exceed 500 years. This mys- 
terious fortification is situated between two rivers, and occupies an area 
of 47 acres."] Georgia's climate I very much dreaded, it being quite un- 
friendly to a person accustomed to a colder one, but where ever I may be 
anil whatever my situation is, 1 shall faithfully inform you, sick or well, 
dangerous or otherwise. I therefore call upon you by all the sacred ties 
that united us, not to give yourself a moments uneasiness at any Idle re- 
ports respecting me. should there be any of an unpleasant nature prevail- 
ing; and on your part 1 have not the smallest doubt, but that you will act 
with e(iual candor. I hope you have ere this received your Portfolio, Min- 
iature and letters sent on from Philadelphia, and that they have given 
you pleasure. I wish I had i/our likeness here, what very great satisfac- 
tion it would give me, I wish to Heavens you would have it taken in my 
absence, 1 shall arrange matters in such a manner that it will not incon- 
venience you at all. Recollect my sweet girl what happiness it will give, 
m please oblige me and let me know if you intend to make me so happy.' 
'Jell black Maggy, Cornale and Flora not to neglect to take good care of 
tlieir lovely charge ; was this my lot how doubly happy would I be, but 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 135 

it must be to the contrary and I shall submit with as much fortitude as I 
can muster, which God knows is but little, yet my duty is clearly to en- 
force it. 

I left Philadelphia at 12 o'clock April 19th 1797. crossed* the Schuyl- 
kill at 1 o'clock and proceeded to the Sij^u of Admiral Warren 23 Miles 
where I lodged. This tavern is on the Lancaster turnpike not far from 
the scene of the massacre of part of General Wayne's detachment on 
September 20, 1777, by orders of General Howe. ["General Grey cut down 
53 Americans in cold-blooded cruelty in the well known ' Massacre at 
}*aoli.' '*] Moved early in the morning of the 20th, a rainy day and 
reached Lancaster that evening 43 Miles over a Turnpike road cut through 
a rich tract of laud. Lancaster stands on Conestoga creek, has a fine 
court house, churches and handsome buildings with abont 800 houses. 
Moved early on the 21st, Passed over an intolerable bad road and reached 
a Tavern 2 Miles from Harrisburg on the Susquehanna; this river is one 
mile across and the Current very rapid. The town contains about two 
hundred houses, chiefly of Brick, with a stone Jail and a German church ; 
it is pleasantly situated on the winding river with its little islands. Eliz- 
abeth and Middle Town are small villages I passed through ; the houses 
are old and chiefly built of logs, the former is 17 and the latter 25 Miles 
from Lancaster, and where I lodged having come to day 36 Miles. The 
22d reached Carlisle to Breakfast after 15 miles, passed Mount Rock 7 
Miles, Shippenburg 14 Miles, and Lodged at Black's house, Gen. Washing- 
ton had his Head Quarters at Carlisle in 1794 ; there are flue stone hou.ses, 
a college, court-house and churches. All along my route, these villages 
flourish where the Indians and wild beasts lately roamed. The 23rd 
being a rainy day I did not start until near 8 o'clock, then passed 
through Strasburg six miles where I crossed three large mountainous 
spurs called Kittatinny hills; all these mountains are full of coal with 
much iron and marble ; the valleys between the hills are of a rich, black 
soil. Skinners at the foot of the hill. I breakfasted three miles from 
the last Town, from thence to Fort Littleton is 12 miles, from thence to 
the top of the wonderful Sideling Hill eleven miles to another Skinners 
where I lodged, having moved 32 miles to day. Left Skinners early on 
the morning of the 24th, crossed a branch of the beautiful Juniata and 
thence to Colonel Hartleys, with whom I breakfasted. He was at the 
terrible scenes in the Wyoming valley. After a pleasant rest I proceeded 
to Bedford and lodged at the foot of the Alleghany mountains at llyans. 
The next day one of my pistols was missing, which however I found with 
some difiioulty, by off^ering a reward, hid by one of the Boys in the Stable ; 
after it was recovered I commenced my journey for the day which was 
rainy. Passed over an exceedingly bad road across the mountain, being 
15 miles over a very rocky route. At Stony Creek I breakfasted and 
from thence to Freemans at the foot of Laurel Hill where I lodged in 
most miserable quarters. The 2Gth was at the Old Fort Legonier the post 
of General St. Clair during the French War, and proceeded to Riads 
where I breakfasted, 15 Miles from that to a Large Town by the name of 
Greensburg 10 Miles. [At Greensburgh is a ninnument to the same 
Major General Arthur St. Clair.] From therice to Turtle Creek 19 miles 
■where I stayed for the night having gone 44 miles. On the 27th pro- 
ceeded to Pittsburg being twelve miles and reached it at 11 o'clock where 
I found a number of my friends which in some measure relieved my de- 
pressed spirits. Farewell my dearest Harriot take good care of yourself, 



136 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

much is depending? on it. I have written to my Father and others. May 
much happincs.s attend you prays your aflfectionate husband, 

^^ , ,„ TT-ii Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Cherry liiil. 

Extracts from Captain Van Rensselaer's Note Book. 

The country about Pittsburgh is very hilly, and a few miles from here 
is the Hattle-ground of General Braddock, where he was defeated in 1755. 
A French Fort called Du Quesne was then standing on the Pittsburg's 
site. I continued in this place till Saturday 29th ; the afternoon of which 
day at 3 o'clock I embarked, to navigate the Ohio river, which is one of 
the most beautiful in the world, with a gentle current and easy of navi- 
gation, in a large Kentucky keel-boat [had a flat bottom, but no sails,] 
Toadedwith Dragoon equipments and the Chickasaw annuity for this year, 
with only three Soldiers and a Quarter Master's man. In this weak state 
of defence I commenced a really dangerous and very difficult route down 
the picturesque and extensive Ohio, with a head wind and rain to comfort 
me, but the water in pretty good order and we floated quietly all night 
without any alarm from Indian foes. Early in the morning of May 1st 
just before daylight passed WheeUng96 miles from Pittsburg. This day 
nothing of note happened as we passed along in sight of a number of huts 
on each bank and a small town. On the morning of 2d May at 9 o'clock 
landed at Muskingum (Marietta) a large and beautiful Settlement of New 
Englanders. Here I remained half an hour and took on board a Mr. 
Lowder, a printer from New York and at 12 o'clock landed him on Belpree 
Island twelve miles from Marietta. Here I was introduced to a Mr. 
Bachus and his wife from New London, and was not a little astonished 
to find so accomplished a woman in these desert wilds. Being frustrated 
in my intention of procuring forage for my horses at this place, I hoisted 
my icooihn Sails and at 1 o'clock p.m. again came too, at the lower end 
of the Island, three miles and succeeded in getting hay by paying at the 
rate of 50 cts. per Hundred. Opposite this Island and a little above it, 
are the three Settlements of Belpree, each village 3 miles apart. Two 
Turkey's were on the right or Indian beach for the first time since we left 
Pittsburg, the wind continually ahead. 

3d. The wind from the South accompanyed with rain which much re- 
tarded our progress, a few huts were to be seen on each Bank. At 1 
o'clock p. M., passed the Great Canawha river, the Town is called Point 
Pleasant, a name well adapted to the situation. Here was formerly a 
Garrison built of the Inhabitants of Virginia called together by General 
Andrew Lewis, it was some years since in 1771 attacked by the Indians, 
who unlbrtunately killed Col. Charles Lewis, but could not carry the Fort 
which was strongly fortified with logs and entrenchments. At half past 
one, pa.'ssed a French settlement on the Indian Bank called Gallipolice 
three miles from the last river and 100 miles from Muskingum which we 
came in U hours. The Country on each side of the River was beautiful 
beyond conception with its wild scenery, tall grasses and trees. 

4th. The early p:irt of last night was clear and the moon shone bright 
until about 11 o'clock, when a violent rain and thunderstorm came on 
which luMted until near four in the morning, with so much violence as to 
put U8 in danger of being drove on shore. Tlie water being high it was 
with difliculty wo coul<l proceed, and to make land it was impossible with- 
out infinite danger from the Indians. No material injury however 
happened. At 2 p. m., passed the mouth of the big Sciota river on the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 137 

N. W. of the Ohio. The lands are very rich and the Country level. The 
head waters of this river is. near the Lake and is Navigable for boats 200 
miles, the width of it is about 150 yards. Four miles below this Island 
at a friend's Major Bellies on Turkey Creek, the old Bachelor treated me 
with great politeness. After viewing his plantation (which is really 
beautiful) I again started at six o'clock. Some distance below this, passed 
the three Islands in the night, the River .serene and pleasant. 

5th. In the morning it rained quite fast, and the wind ahead, passed 
Limestone at 7 o'clock A. M., the Kentucky landing place 60 miles from 
Lexington and the like distance from Cincinnati, a number of houses oa 
each bank were to be seen. [Limestone is upon Limestone Creek and is 
now called iMaysville.] 

6th. Passed Columbia at 4 o'clock in the morning and at 5 o'clock 
landed at Fort Washington in good order, where I at once reported my- 
self to General Wilkinson. [In those early times it was a very hazardous 
business to navigate the Ohio river. Often were the boats taken by the 
enemy, and every one on board, destroyed by the Indians. And if the 
settlers attempted to clear new fields, they did it at the peril of their 
lives. Guarded by sentinels, and carrying their arms, they hoed their 
corn fields. In 1791, some French immigrants settled on the Ohio river 
at a place, which they appropriately called Gallipolis. They had been 
swindled out of about one hundred thousand crowns in silver, by a few 
arch knaves, who, visiting Paris, pretended to own a large tract of land, im- 
mediately adjoining on the west side of ' the Ohio company's land.' These 
people lived at Gallipolis during the old Indian war, and suflfered some 
from the Indians as well as from sickness, and many privations in a far 
wilderness. Columbia was near the mouth of the Little Miami river.] 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My Dearest Wife, Fort Washington, May 7, 1797. 

At Fort Washington every week there is a Mail to and from that place, 
and likewise at Knoxville, therefore I shall with anxiety attend regularly 
when the mail arrives. On Thursday next you will no doubt receive my 
letter from Pittsburg informing you of my safe arrival there, and the time 
I expected to leave the Site of the old French Fort Du Quesne, or Fort 
Pitt. Yesterday a week was the time, on the afternoon of that day I set 
sail with a head wind and raining very fast. Dr. Carmichael and the 
officers advised me not to proceed on my journey with the small force 
under my command, consisting of three Infantry soldiers and a hired 
man, having in my charge the equipments for my Troop, and the valuable 
Chickasaw Indian goods for this year. The obstacles I had to encounter 
were very evident to me, but knowing how tedious it would be to wait 
ten days for Colonel Butler and the company who wished to detain me, 
in a place where there was nothing calculated to draw my attention, and 
above all the continual idea of shortening my absence from a place, where 
all that is dear and interesting to me in this life is fixed, were reasons too 
forcible for me to disregard every difficulty. Of this you may be a.ssured 
I had my full share ; in the five hundred miles I only stopped three times 
to take in wOod, forage &c. 1 kept the boat afloat at all times, fair and 
foul weather, night and day, the responsibility was intensely felt and I 
had no disposition, through negligence to try military achievements on 
inmates of the many wigwams ever in sight. Without any marvelous 

18 



138 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

A ...,rp« T TPiched this place at 5 o'clock on the morning of yesterday, 
:?nn ^00 f It coufd hardly be credited that I had con.e in so 
llorl a time nnder so many disadvantageous circumstances ; but there . 
was no need of an affidavit all saw for themselves. My pleasing expecta- 
Lns of dispatch were quickly blasted on being told that the horses and 
n.en had not all arrived. This is the case to my sorrow, nor will they 
be lere in less than a fortnight contrary to the expectations of the General. 
lie is nmch pleased with my punctuality and shows every mark of friend- 
ship withawi.h to make me satisfied with my situation i% H/A. 
General Wilkinson insisted upon my living with him in his family which 
I have a-reed to do while I remain here. Save my dear Harriot I have 
every thTn- I can desire and Jake is a good boy, he takes good care of 
me I b\A\ be busily employed the ensuing week to get every thing in 
perfect readiness to mount the men, as soon as they arrive trom Fort 
Defiance The Saddles &c. will all want repairing, and alter this is done 
and the horses a little accustomed to firing, I shall cross the Ohio on my 
route to the Cumberland in Tennessee. The General has invited me to 
take a ride with him to the big Miami tomorrow, thirty miles below this. 
To day we all dine with the Lieut. Governor of this place, I will soon 
have to prepare for the occasion, I suppose they will be pretty blue, but 
for my part I declare off. Niiie o'clock P. M. We have my dear Harriot 
just returned from the feast, all pretty merry and one or two a little 
beyond it. The afternoon was pleasantly passed, and the Dinner in great 
elegance displayed, 7iec(rli/ as well as the Dutchmen of Albany could have 
done it, making allowances for his being a Bachelor, it was better. The 
General showed me your Father's letter, it was couched in very strong 
terms, he wi.shed me to continue in service and told the General to keep me 
in it, you was very much opposed to it, for which they could make al- 
loiconcea on account of your situation. I had rather he had been silent 
on that business * * * Adieu, Adieu. May God bless you and keep 
you perfectly well and happy. y^^^. gj^^^^.^ Husband 

Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

Cherry Hill, Albany. 

Captain Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 

My Dear Harriot : Lexington, Kentucky 18th May, 1797. 

* * * ♦ Since writing to you by the last mail from Fort Washington, 
I have been ordered to this place to Inspect and expedite the completion 
of the purchase of the horses for my Troop, which I have accomplished, 
they are fine horses. I sent on all those the Quarter Master purchased 
save three that I condemned, they would not pass muster ; yesterday they 
left this, and I shall follow them in the afternoon. I have given the 
Quarter Master directions to move very slow with them, that they may 
be in good order when I receive them. I shall get at Fort Washington 
two (iajs before thetn and have every thing in readiness to mount the 
men immediately on their arrival ; after this is accomplished and the 
horses a little mancouvicd I shall commence my wished for march through 
this place to the Cumberland. Then around about way of some six hund- 
red miles to Knnxville, Tennessee, where you shall again hear from me, 
and likrwi.sc beloro I leave this place on my return here. The people are 
very kind and friendly in Lexington, every day since my arrival 1 have 
dined dut, and am engaged for a week if I was to stay, but how very 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 139 

differently am I inclined towards them now to what I was three years 
since. Now all company is rather an iucuuibrance than a pleasure to me ; 
no society can I enjoy until I return to Clicrry Hill, there and only there 
can I be happy, but alas, this period is too far distant. IIow many uneasy 
moments must I pass away before I can possess a tranquil mind, never 
did I know how sincerely I loved you until this cruel separation. I have 
injured you more than ever [ can make compensation for, I should not 
have married until after I left the Army ; but my dear Harriot, you know 
I had no thoughts of, leaving you at that time. And when I was unex- 
pectedly called upon, I could not retire with credit. In your present 
delicate situation, you stand in need of the tender care and sympathy of 
a husband who has no other ambition but to make you happy, but this 
unhappily is denyed him at present, but you know it is not through his 
choice. Therefore keep up your spirits and let us meet with' fortitude 
the misfortunes allotted to each in this life, of which we must expect our 
share, but very little can I boast of when I reflect on you. 

Write to Kuoxville immediately on the receipt of this I shall be there 
about the last of next month ; give me all the news of the day. Has 
the fever left your h'ather ? I am aorry to hear of the misfortune of my 
brother Killian, I saw the account in a paper before I left Philadelphia 
that he had been captured. My mother's letter to him says: "Your 
Father has been to New York, since his return your brother was brought 
in on April 2od by the Sehr Betsey, master C. N. 3Iole in 24 days. 

[" Capt. Killian il. Van Rensselaer, late of the schooner Two Friends 
of New York port, and belonging to Thomas White, merchant of this 
city, came passenger in the Betsey. He sailed from Wilmington, N. C., 
on the 15th of February bound to Martioico, and on the Gth of March in 
lat. 26, long. 58, he was captured by a French privateer schooner, called 
La Voitisseur, commanded by Lombar. They took Capt. Van Rensselaer 
on board the privateer, he was put in irons, and deprived of much ; they 
robbed his chest of all his papers and great part of his clothing. They 
likewise robbed the mate and crew ; then sent a prize master and six men 
on board the schooner and ordered her for Curracoa, detaining the 
captain, mate and 2 seamen on board the privateer. On the 8th, they 
spolfe the sloop Industry, Capt. Lovell from Charleston, and carried into 
Jaquemel."] 

" Disagreeable news is furnished with wings and Killian's misfortune 
adds greatly to our uneasiness on my brother Robert's account, he too may 
share the same fate and I fear his want of fortitude in that case. On 
Friday Papa went to attend the funeral of the Patroon's only daughter 
she died suddenly of the colic. The first you write after receiving this 
do inclose me a lock of your hair, I will have it put in the Back of your 
Miniature with some of mine, like sheaves of wheat. Far be it from me 
to beg you to return one moment sooner, than is consistent with honor 
or duty." Capt. V. R., continues, "I earnestly pray your brother Robert 
may not share the same fate, should he be so unfortunate, let me beg of 
you not to take it too much to heart, it can answer no good purpose. A 
Brother is near, bu,t recollect a fond husband is nearer. If your two 
brothers Peter and Robert have arrived, tell them I am one of their best 
wishers. I am now in great haste to get off. 

Your affectionate Husband, 
Solomon Van Rensslaer. 

Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany. 



140 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



Extracts from Capt. V. B's Note Book. 

May 11, 1797- At Fort Washington dined in Company with the Gen- 
eral and other officers at the Lieut. Governors. At Fort Washington I 
found the men of my old troop dismounted. I had not seen the fine fellows 
pince the great battle in which they bore a distinguished part. The 
meeting w'as as unexpected as gratifying. I immediately, on the 12th 
passed over to Lexington, Ky., to facilitate, superintend and expedite the 
purchase of horses to mount my men, and in a few days reported myself 
and troop ready for duty : having arrived at Lexington on the morning of 
the 14th and left in the afternoon of the 18th and reached Georgetown 
12 miles after having forwarded the horsesfor my Troop, and on the 20th 
reached Fort Washington through a continual rain for 30 miles. 

21st. The horses arrived at the river, Lieut. Ball with thirty Dragoons 
went over and took charge of them. I crossed with him and receipted 
for them. 

22ud. They were crossed in tolerable order and without confusion. 
The two or three following days, the Blacksmiths were employed in Shoe- 
ing of them, and the Tarrier in trimming and Physicing them, whilst 
myself closely engaged in getting every thing in readiness for the March &c. 

25th. Assorted the horses to their Riders and on the 26th, were for the 
first time mounted, and after being inspected by the Commander-in-Chief 
crossed the Ohio and encamped on its bank opposite Cincinnati, to prevent 
the Irequcnt cases of drunkenness in the Troop. This day Captain Isaac 
Guion received orders to descend the River to Natchez in Mississippi, 
but did not go until the day after. Captain Ford's company also received 
orders this day and the General descended the River to the mouth of the 
Minini to the Camp of the 4th Regiment under the command of Col- 
onel Butler intended for Knoxville, and returned on the day following 
when Captain Guion Sailed for the post of Natchez. Id compliance with 
my orders received to day, I am exercising my Troop and in a few days 
will be ready to start. [" The equivocal conduct of the Spanish authori- 
ties of Louisiana in relation to the treaty of limits &c. induced General 
Wilkinson to reinforce our military posts on the Mississippi river; and for 
this service he selected Captain Isaac Guion, an officer of tried confidence 
and approved intelligence, who had served with General Montgomery 
before Quebec, and possessed great energy of character."] 

General Wilkinson to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Head Quarters. Fort Washington, May 26, 1797. 

You are, this day. to cross the Ohio river, with your troop, and to 
commence your march for Knoxville, in the state of Tennessee, without 
one moments unnecessary delay. You will proceed by easy marches, on 
the most convenient road for Fort Blount, on the Cumberland river. 
Should you discover on your approach to, or arrival at this place, that the 
Indians are hostilely dispu.sed, you are to fall back, either to Nashville, or 
take some intermediate secure position, where your cavalry can be well 
Bubsi.stcd, and wait the arrival of Lieut. Col. Commandant Butler, whose 
orders you arc to receive. But should you find the Indians in a state of 
tran(|uility, you will pruceed on to Knoxville, with due military precau- 
tion and on your arrival tliere, will report to the senior officer on that 
Btulion, and re(iuirc quarters and subsistence for your meu and horses, 





Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 141 

« 

where you are to wait the arrival of Col. Butler, unless otherwise disposed 
of under the authority of the President. Wishin<^ you an a-^ireeable tuur, 
I remain with much friendship your obedient servant, 



t^ ^>1/^ 



Captain Van Eensselaer. 

General Wilkinson was appointed deputy adjutant general by Gen. 
Gates, and, after the surrender of Burgoyne, con<iress made him a brij^a- 
dier general by brevet. Congress was so overjoyed at the surrender, 
they allowed Col. Wilkinson, the messenger of the glad tidings, to stand 
upon their floor and announce the fact. 

Extracts from Capt. V. Rs Note Book. 

June 4th. Remained until this day in the family of the General Lieut. 
Ball with the Troop on duty. The General, Inspectors and other Officers 
visited our camp and reviewed the Troop ; in the evening I returned with 
them and remained until the afternoon of the 5th When I received my 
Orders to march, and took leave of the General and others. This morning 
we commenced our march and reached Beads on the Dike Ridge the 20 
Miles. Seven of the men were drunk and one lost his sword, for which 
he received thirty Lashes, and another Six for his carelessness in losing 
his canteen. 

6th. In the morning commenced our March and reached Little Station 
at 4 oclock P.M. without any accident happening, here Lieut. Ball 
joined me with Dispatches from the Commander-in-Chief for Knoxville 
&c, went to day 20 Miles. 

7th. Left the Troop under the Command of Lt. Ball and proceeded 
onward with my Servant and one Dragoon to Lexington 40 miles, with a 
view to forward him on express if a Citizen of confidence could not be 
had, and reached that Town about sunset, and proceeded to accomplish 
the business. 

8th. Dispatched the Dragoon Express, and then was employed in Scour- 
ing the Country to form our Encampment &c. 

9th. The Troop arrived and took possession of a beautiful spot two 
miles from Lexington. Several of the men intoxicated and three did not 
join this day which will be all the worse for them. 

10th. The men joined. Corporal Joiney I reduced to the ranks and or- 
dered him to receive 25 Lashes for disobedience of orders. Maynurd, 
Culin and Jackson received 50 Lashes each fur leaving the Troop and 
getting drunk. 

11th & 12th. Dined with the citizens who are very attentive and friendly 
to the officers. There are frequent parties visiting our Camp. The 
Saddlers and Blacksmiths are employed constantly in the necessary re- 
pairs of the Troop. 

13th. The Volunteer Troop of horse, gives us a grand and pleasant 
Barbecue ; theirs is a pretty Scarlet with Black and Silver lace. The 
social entertainment in the open air gave a day spent in harmony and 
friendship. 



242 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

14th Mr. Brown, brother to a Senator in Congress, with his Wife and 
a number of fine a-reeable young ladies honored us with a pleasant visit. 

15th. A Ball was «,'iven in honour of the Cloth, but not feeling much 
inclined for such amusements I declined going but I requested Lieut. Ball 
to attend, which he did. 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My Lovely Harriot, Dragoon Camp, Lexington, Ky., June 14, 1797. 

♦ * * I have taken possession of a beautiful piece of ground in a 
Bequestered spot two miles from Lexington, and have formed a pretty 
Camp, The Ladies and gentlemen of the City pay us frequent visits, a 
large party are to be out to day. It is 9 o'clock A. M,, I have ordered 
the^Trumpeter to sound for Roll call. I must attend. While I lived 
with General Wilkinson in his family at Fort Washington, as an evidence 
of his confidence, not one single order was given me for the Police or 
discipline of my Troop. I was left to make such a disposition as I 
thought proper, it gives me pleasure that my little experience has placed 
me beyond the unpleasant reflection of inadequacy. Since I have been 
here, 1 have received letters from the General, amongst other things he 
says, " Deliver the enclosed to. Col. Butler when you meet, and send 
forward the letter for Knoxville in such a way as your discretion shall 
direct, it is of import^uice. Life and Laurels my dear Bo^ to you." The 
letter I have forwarded by a confidential sergeant. 

5 o'clock p. M. The expected party, my lovely Harriot, have been 
here, they were quite agreeable, and I did the honors to the best of my. 
skill. June 15th. This morning it rained a little which prevented my 
moving, but it has now cleared off, and have given directions to have 
every thing in readiness for that purpose in the morning, a little 
more time can I only devote to you. The Ball is Postponed until this 
evening in consequence of the rain. Lieut. Ball is now making prepara- 
tions for the occasion, but for my part, I am oflf; the perusal of your 
affectionate letter will, by far, give me more pleasure. 

I have an elegant pair of bays, these with a fine sleigh and then what 
pleasure will I have with my Harriot. Jake takes good care of them and 
behaves well, he is a fine boy and makes an excellent body servant, you 
will hardly know him. I draw provisions for him by order of the 
General. I wrote this letter at different times as I could find opportunity, 
or be spared from the duty of the Troop, it is written on my knee, I need 
not make any apology for inaccuracy in it. Mr. Ball is just going to 
Town and I must close, with the cruel word Adieu. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, 

Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany, 

Extr acts from Capt. Van Rensselaer's Note Booh. 
June 16th. Every thing being again ready for a march, the tents were 
struck and biiggage packed. At ton oclock commenced our move through 
Lexington on the head waters of Elkhorn river, with about 900 inhabitants. 
Our cavalry pas.sed on in handsome order ; the streets were crowded with 
gaping citizens expressing their entire approbation " at the beautiful sight," 
a.s they wore plea.sed to term it. The full uniform and dragooner's heavy 
Bword always carry their peculiar charm ; perhaps it is owing to the satis- 
faction felt in knowing how nicely they can slash through the wily In- 
dian .«,kull, ju.st like cutting into a round ripe pumpkin in successful war- 
fare . Alter u walker of 20 Miles encamped at a hot headed Democrats. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 143 

17th. Reached Danville twenty miles more after crossing the Kentucky 
and Dicks' lliver; a heavy rain accompanied us this day. The high 
rocks or precipices being 400 feet high of Dick river are wonderful ; some 
of the banks are of lime stone and other of white marble ; they are covered 
with large groves of red cedar, the banks high on both sides. 

18th. It rained fast all day ; our clothes being wet, we continued in camp, 
and were treated with much Civility by the Citizens. 

19th. Two pack horses were missing and could not be found ; proceeded 
to William Shaws, found a fine meadow for our horses. 

23rd. Having procured provisions and forage we left Shurmans, and 
after two miles passed through the small town of Greensburgh and 12 
miles further brought us to the little Barren river, thence to the Blue 
Spring grove where we encamped. The streams from some of these springs 
are quite as brinish as ocean water; the deer and other animals come to 
these licks to lap up the salt. The land here for eight miles at least may 
be called very barren in every sense of the word ; the Soil is stony, the 
grass is long and coarse affording but little subsistence for cattle. Save 
small scopes of timber in a few places, nothing but scrubby oaks are 
visible. The extent of this piece of most extraordinary laud is 100 miles 
each way, it is extremely unpleasant in warm weather and even dangerous 
to travelers. There are many curious caves of miles in length with sin- 
gular pillars and arches; there was also a spring on Green river the water, 
of which was very much like oil and burnt with a fine light. 

24th. Encamped at Sinking Creek ; for 13 miles the water was very 
bad, nauseous with sulphur and the land same as yesterday with very 
singular cavities ; tlie Creek disappears for some miles. 

26th. Found the 4th Regiment under Col. Butler encamped at the 
Forks of the road from Nashville I therefore advanced three miles from 
them and encamped at Major Wilson's 26 miles from our last encampment, 
where I got some excellent timothy and corn for the horses and Indian 
iLcal for the men, rain all this day. 

27th. Proceeded in the rain four miles to Gen. Winchesters, where I 
purchased seven days provisions and Forage. This is the Cumberland 
Settlements and the richest soil I ever beheld. The Fourth Regiment 
encamped near us, only a creek dividing the camps. 

Col. Butler to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Please give the Corporal a Pass to travel the Caney-fork road to 
South-west Point. I have notified the Officer at that post of your move- 
ments, and directed Capt. Sharks to provide for the l)ragoons until they 
receive your orders to Join. Your Humble Servt. 

June '^8th 1797 Thos. Butler L. Gen. 4th U. S. Reg'. 

The Regiment moved before sunrise fifteen miles. My Troop continued 
in Camp until near 12 o'clock, being detained by rain, when it ceased the 
line of march was taken up. Being obliged to have on hand a quantity 
of provisions and forage to last us for 150 miles (not burgagable to get 
any at the Stations in the wilderness) I directed the Dragoons to march 
on foot to save the horses. The road being through a rich country and 
a continual thicket of cane-brake ; it was very muddy in consequence of 
the rain. 

29th. Early in the morning moved through rain and over intolerable 
roads, passed tne Infantry encampment, who remained there for the 



144 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

day the Country was rich and well timbered. Crossed the beautiful 
River Cuiuherland at the Caney-fork ferry and formed our Camp on the 
South Hank thereof, between the large Caney Branch and this river, 
fifteoii miles. This River is very deep and consequently the current not 

'^''sOth Moved early in the morning, the Dragoons still on foot but 
the road being over a light hillv ridge the traveling is better. The 
beautiful waterfalls among the hills over which we had passed and the 
hi-'h clifiFs was an impressive scene. Passed the Line (two miles south 
ea."t) between the United States and the Cherokee Indians where we en- 
camped having gone twenty-five miles. 

July 1st. Our route to day lay through a Barren Country for about six 
miles to the forks of the Cauey-fort and Fort Blount roads at the foot of 
the Cumberland Mountain. 

Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My. Lovely Harriot, Dragoon Encampt. July 11th 1797. 

i reached Knoxville the place of my destination on the 5th Inst, after 
a long march of six Hundred miles, which I performed in one month pre- 
cisel/from Fort Washington. Not being pleased with my situation in 
Town, and Col. Butler with the Fourth Regiment nut soon expected, I 
jnoved on the Gth to this place two miles from it, formed my Camp and 
built fine strong Stables which has engrossed all my time. * * * My 
Troop is to be stationary near this place. The Country is beautiful and 
healthy, the river scenery exceedingly fine; the mountains and valleys 
have great natural wonders, and all is most agreeable to me. Every thing 
drives on smoothly about me, not a man or horse have I lost on the march 
or here. The Fourth Regiment have lost several by desertion etc; in 
about ten days they will be here, when my Troop will probably take its 
position at Telico Block House 30 miles distant. The pleasing hope of 
receiving a number of letters from you on my arrival in this state, made 
me bear with greater fortitude the fatigues of so long a march, but Col. 
Butler is now daily expected and 1 hope on the first of September I 
will leave this, never to return more if you are only spared to me. My 
time is almost constantly employed in the Police and discipline of my 
Troop, business and company leave but little for writing. I have this 
moment received a letter i'rom Colonel Butler advising me of his arrival 
at the Confluence of the Tennessee and Clinch Rivers, forty miles from 
licre, in a few days he will be here, possibly before this leaves me on 
next Wednesday by the mail. Under the Knoxville head of the in- 
closed paper you will find my name mentioned, ife-will please you and so I 
Bend it on. I have a beautiful pair of Moccasins for you, and from this 
will see I intend to make a little squaw of you. I must stop with this at- 
tempt at a little liveliness, it does not correspond with my feelings. Let 
me not look buck to past scenes, it is too distressing; instead of finding 
the happy Harriot to welcome me with a tender embrace on my return 
from short visits on business I must attend to the dull routine of camp 
duty and then roused from my broken slumbers by the Trumpet before 
daylight in the morning. The Commissioners are proceeding with 
amicublcne.'.s in the limit line survey, and my iurlough will allow me to 
leave, if not necessarily rf(|uired here. May you not be disappointed in 
spending your Birthday, Sept. 3, with me, we will celebrate it together, 
aud may you eeemauy days equally happy with your doting Husband and 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 145 

fond little ones. And may they crown you with Laurels that will com- 
pensate for what you may suffer ; in the character of a Mother you will 

shine in the care of your little family. n i i>i t? n 

- -^ •' God Jslcss you i^arewcil. 

,,01 17- T? 1 n\ ii-ii Sol. Van Rensselaer.. 

Mrs. Solomon Van llensselaer, Cherry Hill. 

" Knoxville, Tenn. July 19, 1797. On the 15th inst, Captain Van 
Rensselaer with his troop of light dragoons, arrived in this town. The 
good order and soldierly appearance of this corps of horse reflect honor on 
themselves and their officers. We understand that the commissioners 
who acted under the United States, in running the line between this state 
and the Indians, have desisted from extending the line from some distance 
beyond Cumberland to Clinch river, in consequence of some dissatisfaction 
expressed by the Cherokees. Col. Hawkins & Mr. Dinsmoor, returned to 
this town a few days ago, and Gen. Pickens has remained at his camp on 
Sinking creek about ten miles from this town, though we just learn he 
will come to town tomorrow. Also that Gen. Winchester will shortly be 
here, when it is understood these vicegerents of Executive power of the 
United States will proceed to the division line between the Cherokees and 
the district of Washington and Hamilton in this state. We do them but 
justice to add, that a strict regard to the claims and rights of both nations 
(we have understood) will be the governing principle of these gentlemen." 

General Andrew Pickens took his first lessons in the art of war while serv- 
ing as a volunteer in Grant's expedition against the Cherokees. He 
became a warm republican when the revolution broke out, and was one 
of the most active of the military purtizans of the South. He was commis- 
sioned major general of the South Carolina militia in 1795, and was often a 
commissioner to treat with the Indians. He married an aunt of the late 
John C. Calhoun. 

The FurlougJi. 

Knoxville, State of Tennesssee July 30, 1797. CaptainVan Rensselaer 
of the Dragoons is permitted to visit his Family, and to be absent during 
the pleasure of the Secretary of War. 

Lt. Col. Butler. Ja : Wilkinson. 

Lt. If. I. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Fort Oswego, November 16, 1797. 

How many days, and months, nay ! almost years have passed since I 
have beheld a Letter from you, and I do not suppose that I should ever 
again receive a line if I was not to write you. How strange it is that 
whenever mau (I mean the majority of mankind) slip into the matrimo- 
nial noose, their friendship is at once diverged. But with me, there will 
•be a glaring exception to the rule, with me; where two hearts have beat 
in unison, where providence has thrown the sweet ingredient of friend- 
ship into the rugged path of life to enable us to sail down the torrent 
with ease and safety, nothing can eft'ace the tie from my memory. No 
morbid tumor shall rankle in my breast, nor shall even the Bridal Bed 
snap asunder the tenderest ties of consawjuinlty, affinity and friendship 
with me. Friendship when once rooted in my breast is not like the plant 
of a temperate clime when removed to a torrid zone, where the leaf be- 
comes withered, the blossom no more expands and the plant enervates and 
dies under the influence of the scorching sun. But with me it never en- 

19 



146 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ervatcs it is as impenetrable to infection as the castle which is impregna- 
ble is impenetrable to the sword of the open invader. You have heard 
before this of my appointment to the command of this place. Pray when 
have you seen iMiss Sanders ? I wish she would prove friendly in assisting 
m'e to choose a partner like the turtle of the vale. I am too apprehensive 
of a rebuff, or I should request you to present my warmest esteem to her. 
I sincerely wish that my acquaintance with her was of an earlier period, 
but permit me to drop a subject which admits of so much doubt in its at- 
tainment to my happiness. This goes by Col. Smith ray particular ac- 
quaintance who goes in a Boat that carries your Trunk from Fort Wash- 
ington to Schenectady. I have given a certificate on Mr. Glen Agent for 
transportation, for the carriage. Present my friendship to Mrs. V. R. 
I hope you are made happy ere this by an increase of family, but mum 
on this score. . Adieu, Yours. 

Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. I. Visscher. 

After remaining more than a year at Fort Oswego, Lieutenant Nanning 
I. Visscher of the Artillery, was appointed to the command of the gar- 
rison at that place. This fort was of great military importance during 
the colonial wars. The London Magazine, for the year 1757 gives an 
account of tlie investment and surrender of the place, it was reduced by 
the French under Gen. Montcalm. The works at Oswego at this time 
consisted of three forts, viz.. the old fort on the west side of the river, 
and two forts on the east side, situated on two eminences, which latter 
were commenced the year previous, and were in an unfinished state. 
These works were very weak, and the walls of insufficient strength to 
resist heavy artillery. The English relied for a defense upon having a 
superior naval force upon the lake but it was incomplete. The French 
were the victors and after the capitulation immediately dismantled the 
forts, 

Richard Vai'ick to Philip Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir : New York, Nov. 28, 1797. 

I have the Honor of acknowledging the Receipt of Mrs. Rensselaer's 
favor without date accompanied by two Cheeses and a Bag of Aragrietties 
for Mrs. Benson and myself. I should long ere now have forwarded an 
Answer with a Remittance of perishable articles, consisting of most excel- 
lent Carolina potatoes, Oranges and a pot of Brandy peaches, which are 
boxed up and have been at the Wharf and remanded on account of the 
extreme Cold Wcatlier, and our hearing of your River being frozen up so 
as to Stop the Navigation to Kinderhook. I hope the river will open 
again, or both of us will be disappointed. While we congratulate you on 
the Birth of another Grand Daughter, and wish you and Mrs. Rensselaer 
as well as Arrictta and her dear Spouse [Solomon Van Rensselaer] every' 
Blessing on the Occasion, we hear with extreme Concern the continued 
Indisposition of Mrs. Klniendorf, and \.\y,\X. you are far from being well. 
Our best wishes attend you both and may a beneficent Heaven preserve 
our friends ; to liis Care and protection we cheeriuUy commit them, assured 
tliat fhnre ulune they can I'ecl themselves safe and happy. 

With regret I mention to you the Death of Mr. Martin Hoffman of 
Mount ]{oss in Dutchess County (whose lady you saw with us). He died 
on 'liK-Mliiy la.-t betwoen 10 and 11, after about L'4 or 26 Hours Illness of 
a Chulic So we drop off one after another, and who knows the next Pas- 
gcngt-r in that .Journey. Mrs. Benson joins Mrs. Varick and Miss Laidlie 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 147 

and myself in thanks to you and Mrs. Rensselaer for your present, and in 
our best wishes for your Health and That of our other friends of your 
family, to All whom We pray to be affectionately remembered. Accept 
the best sentiments of Respect and Aflection from your Friend (who is 
called to Court in Haste). Richard*Varick. 

Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, near Albany. 

Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 

i^'ir, • War department, 25 April, 1798. 

The Service requiring; your immediate presence with your Company, 

you will be pleased to join it with all convenient Speed. 

I am Sir with regard Your most obcdt Serv. 

n i o 1 ir T? 1 Aiu James McHenry. 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. 

Col. Ilodfjdon to Capt. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Philadelphia, 26th November, 1798. 

The Generals Washington, Hamilton and Pinckney are here making 
with the Assistance of the Secretaries an arrangement for bringing into 
effect the contemplated Army, if you have any particular claims to pre- 
fer I think you ought to be here as early as possible, for it is not expected 
General Washington will remain an hour longer than is Necessary to 
compleat this business for which his information and Station peculiarly 
fit and entitle him. I have no doubts deserving Officers already in Serv- 
ice will be properly noticed, yet I think it best they should urge their 
pretensions personally. In haste adieu. If I can Serve you, command 
me. Yours very sincerely, 

Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. ^^'^^^^ Hodgdon. 

Invitation from General TJuymas Pinckney. 
Mr. Pinckney requests the Honor of Mr. Renslaer's Company at 
Dinner on Monday the 23d Febry, at J past 5 oClock. 

General Washington to John Tayloe. 
Dear Sir : Mount Vernon, 23 January, 1709. 

The Gazettes, which, I presume, you have seen, having announced 
your appointment :xs Major in the Regiment of Light Dragoons,' I shall 
add no more than a wish that it may be acceptable to you, as it is a very 
honorable one for any gentleman who has not been in or seen much service. 
The other Major now is, and has been in the dragoon service several 
years a Captain, is a man of family, genteel in his person, has given 
proofs of his gallant behavior, and was wounded in General Wayne's 
victory over the combined Indian force in the year 1794.1 Colonel 
Watts, you will no doubt have heard, was esteemed one of the best cavalry . 
officers we had in the Revolutionary War, and whose merit is particularly 
well kaown in this state. In a word, I believe it may be said, that a more 
respectable corps of officers cannot well be than this, if all the appoint- 
ments are accepted. 

With great esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 

John Tayloe, Esqr., At Mount Airy. ^^- Washington. 

' Solomon Van Rensselaer, of Albany, subsequently a general, and the hero of 
. Queenstown. 



148 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Colonel Tayloe of Richmond county, having just been elected to the 
senate ol-VirL'inia after a fatiguing contest, hesitated before accepting this 
aprointmentin the army, on the ground, as he wrote to General Wash- 
ington that if he should accept, his seat in the senate would inevitably 
be" filled by* an opponent of the administration. Congress called Gen. 
Washin'-ton from retirement to take command of the army. He selected 
those he^cuuld rely on and sent his trusty General Hamilton who cherished 
luy father as a friend and kinsman for him. In the presence of Gen.^ 
Hamilton and Gen. Pinckney he questioned him in regard to the state of 
his wounds, and in January, 1800, appointed him a major of cavalry. " By 
the law." says Major Van Rensselaer, " subsequently enacted for reducing 
this army, two troops of cavalry were retained without a field officer, I of 
course, was among the disbanded, but not until after every effort in my 
fav(ir had been made by Governor Jay, the gallant but ill-used Gen. 
Schuyler, General Hamilton, and all the great Federal leaders of the day 
to have me retained in service." 

Gen. ScMyler to tlie Secretary of War. 
Dear Sir, Albany, Octr. 8, 1799. 

As it seems of importance to the Community that Military officers- 
should as much as possible, be selected from that class of Citizens whose 
property renders them interested in, and attached to the public weal. If 
in that class competent characters can be found ; Under this impression 
I deem it a public duty, respectfully to draw the attention of Government 
to one who in my opinion and in the estimation of our Citizens, is every 
way worthy. Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer is the eldest Captain of 
Dragoons of the Army of the United States & who wishes to continue in 
the service, hopiag that from his standing in that Corps, he may with 
propriety, solicit promotion to the rank of Major therein. Of his military 
character. Government is probably well advised ; his civil one, is marked 
with prudence, sobriety, integrity and patriotism. As it will afford much 
satislaction here and to many of your friends of the Government, to see 
its patronage extended to so very worthy a young Gentleman, permit me 
to entreat your countenance in his lavor, with our worthy President. 
I am Dear Sir, With great regard &; -esteem 

Your obedient Servant. 

Hon. James McHenry &c., &c., Secretary War. ^^- ^QHUXLER. 
Lieut. N. I. VisccUer to Major Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Sir, . Fort Niagara, Nov. 14, 1799. 

After a long lapse of time I have again presumed to address you. I 
have from your long silence supposed, that your friendship towards me 
had ceased, yet, I cannot conceive that the juvenile warmth so early 
kindled into benevolence and brotherly affection, and which had for years 
benii cherished with the greatest reciprosity, should thus fade like the 
/(illiiii/ Iviif. I think my conjectures must be right, for I cannot conceive 
that uiiy Tiiat(!rial cliange could on your part have happened since I left you, 
savi! your rank and preferment in life, but this could not, and I am almost 
ptT.'^uailod that it has not effected the smallest iota of change in you. On 
my jiart. fortune has frowned with its severest dispensations on me in the 
lottery of promotion, and my humble rank makes me despair of ever 
glift^>riiig as a Soldier, or acting a conspicuous part in the Science 
of War. To continue speaking of myself Cand which I do with diffi- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



149 




dence) I have for a year or two been more particularly engaged in scien- 
tial pursuits, but my application has only been conducive of evincing liow 
msiynijicant is man, and comparatively speaking, 1 have been lei't 
something in the same way, that Juno left Ixion, fully convinced of the 

truth, tliat " at twenty man 
suspects hinjself a fool, knows 
it at 3U, and at 40 " &c., thus 
have I in my searches arrived 
at the second stage, too well 
impressed with my deficiency 
of education, " and the thou- 
sand natural shocks that flesh 
is heir to," grieved to death 
that I am not capacitated to 
act a more shining part. I am 
sorry to inform you that my 
religious tenets have under- 
gone some change, but on this 
Imust for the preseutbe silent, 
and request the same of you 
to this point. I find that 1 
have in this Letter been quite 
an egotist, but I write to you 
as an old friend and compa- 
triot, and with such, strict 
formula is therefore not neces- 
sary. I have lately met with a 
rebuff in application to Gene- 
ral Hamilton for leave of absence. I shall to-day write my ultimatum to 
the General on that score, for 1 am determined no longer to serve under 
the auspices of this Frenchman, it will not be till sometime in the winter 
that I can expect to leave this, till then, 

I remain as usual, your affectionate 




N. I. VlSSCHEK. 




Major Sol, Van Rensselaer. 

Mr. Visscher returned to Albany and subsequently we read : 

"Married, on Thursday Jan. 8, 1807 at Albany, by the Rev. John M. 
Bradford, Mr. Nanning I. Visscher, Merchant, to Miss Catharine Glen 
Van Rensselaer, daughter of Colonel John 1. Van Rensselaer, both of 
Greenbush." 

Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis, Rritish West 
Indies. He was of Scottish descent by his father; French by his mother. 
Fort Niagara was under the supervision of Gen. Hamilton. 

In 1798, when an invasion was apprehended from the French, and a 
provisional arn)y had been called into the field, President Adams had ofi'ered 



150 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

the chief command of this army to Gen. Washington, who consented to 
•iccept in ca^e Hamilton should be chosen second in command, with the 
tilie of inspector -eneral. He succeeded in bringing the organization and 
discipline of the' army to a high degree of excellence. The chief com- 
maud devolved on him at the death of Washington in 1799. 



CHAPTER VH. 

Troublous Times. 



President John Adams transmitted to the congress of the United States 
a letter received from Tobias Lear, Esq., private secretary to General 
Washington, communicating the sad intelligence that: " On the 14th day 
of December 1799, General George Washington breathed his last at 
Mount Vernon in the 69th year of his age." House of Representatives, 
Pec. IS, 1799, Philadelphia. Mr. Marshall rose and addressed the 
Speaker in the following words : " Information, Sir, has just been received 
that our illustrious fellow citizen, the commander-in-chief of the American 
army, and late President of the United States, Our Washington is no 
more ! the hero, the sage, and the patiot of America, the man on whom in 
times of danger every eye was turned, and all hopes were placed, lives 
now only in his own great actions, and in the hearts of an affectionate and 
afflicted people." 

" Piiiiadelphia December 20. In consequence of the afflicting intelligence 
of the death of General Washington, Mrs. Adams's drawing room is de- 
ferred to Friday the 27th, when the Ladies are respectfully requested to 
wear white, trimmed with black ribbon, black gloves and fan, as a token 
of respect to the memory of the late President of the United States. The 
Ladies of the officers of the general government will please to wear black." 

" Washington is no .^iore ! How shall we express our grief on this dis- 
tressing event; with what language shall we give vent to the full feelings 
of our hearts. It is true, he had reached the summit of human honor, 
and was ripe for immortal Glory. It is true, he had retired, in a degree, 
from public office, to the walks of rural life. It is true, the government 
of our country has devolved on wise and faithful men ; Yet Washington 
was Htill our guardian, our pride and our defence. His reputation w;\s a 
bulwark, and a shield, under whose broad and protecting shade America 
reposed with unbounded confidence. He led our armies amidst the perils 
of revolution to victory. His virtues, his wisdom hushed to peace the 
voice of discord, and consolidated these states under one firm government. 
Heaven Inif liiin to us, to make us a nation, and to render us prosperous, 
powerful and happy. Having accomplished his high errand, he is now 
recalled and wr ure overwhelmed with grief. He was taken ill on Friday. 
An iiitiunte friend asked him if he wished to have anything done on the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 151 

arranfreuient of his temporal affairs ; he shook his head and replied, * no 
I thank you, for my books are all posted to Tuesday'" 

'•The Counnon ('ouncil of Albany N. Y., on hearing the melancholy 
tidings of the death of General VV^ASUiNaTON, came to the following 
resolution : 

" Kesolved, That the Bells of this City be tolled from three to five 
o'clock this afternoon ; [Dec. 23d] and that the Members of this IJoard 
•wear Crape round the left arm for the space of six weeks, as a testimony 
of respect to the memory of Lieut. Gen. Waseiington, deceased." 

During the tolling of the bells, minute guns were fired by the corps of 
U. 8. Artillery stationed in this city, under the command of Captain 
John McClallen. The churches in this city were dressed in Mourning 
on Sabbath, and appropriate discourses delivered. 

Funeral Procession, in Albany. 

Thursday, January 9th, 1800, was devoted by the citizens of Albany 
to the performance of military and civil honors in memory of the beloved 
and venerated Washington. The concourse of citizens, and inhabitants 
of the vicinity was uncommonly numerous. A deep and mournful silence 
hung over all ranks, and gave the most impressive testimony of a pervad- 
ing heart-felt grief at the irreparable loss of a character uniting such un- 
exampled virtue and public worth. The artillerists of the United States 
began the solemnities at daybreak, by firing sixteen guns in quick suc- 
cession, and continued firing a gun every half hour until the signal was 
given by three guns for the procession to form. At ten oclock, the military 
paraded in Watervliet street, under the command of Major Solomon 
Van Rensselaer of the army of the United States, as Marshal. Capt. 
McClallen as officer of the day, assisted by Adj. Wendell and Lieut. 
Treat directed the procession. 

[In June, 1799, we find regarding Hearses: "It is in contemplation 
to bury on Juan-ses, instead of bearing on the shoulders This certainly 
will be an excellent substitute for bearers, who are inevitably exposed to 
the putrid exhalations of dead bodies, with which they are almost in living 
contact. It is to be hoped that no ancient prejudices in favor of an old 
custom will prevail against propriety and expedience, for the life of no 
man ought to be endangered if it can be avoided."] 

The bier was received on the left of the line, drawn up in open ranks 
with arms presented, the officers, colors, and music saluting. Minute 
guns firing at a distance, during the procession. At 11 o'clock by a signal 
of two guns, in immediate succession, the procession moved in the follow- 
ing order : Cavalry with swords reversed, Drums muffled, colors reversed 
and iu mourning, Band of Music, instruments dressed in crape. Pall 
Bearers were : Col. Lush, Col. Wendell, Genls. Ten Broeck, Van Home, 
Schuyler, Gansevoort. General's Ilor'se, led by 2 black men in mourn- 
ing with white turbans. Military Associations iu uniform and full 
mourning. Law Society of young gentlemen wearing crape, with 
badges trimmed with black ribbon ; their president in full mourning. 
Having arrived at the North Dutch Church, the procession halted, the 
troops fi>ruied in two lines, with open ranks; the whole body of military 
leaning on their arms reversed. The bier, preceded by the officers of 
government, and the clergy, passed through to the centre of the middle 
isle of the church. The officers of the army, the corporation of the city 
and the respective corporations then followed, succeeded by the several 



152 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

societies in reversed order, the citizens follovsring. As the bier was enter- 
in" the church, a solemn chaunt, with accompaniments was sung by Miss 
Lilly. The walls, pulpit and the stage erected for the orator, were draped 
with black cloth. ' The solemnities in church were opened with prayer 
by the Rev. John Bassett. Funeral Oration by Wm. P. Beers, Esq. 
Concluding Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Nott. Anthem in full chorus. The 
vocal accompanied by instrumental music was very fine. The bier was 
then removed in front of the church where the last military honors were 
paid to the memory of the deceased. While the procession was moving 
the bells of the respective churches were tolled, they all had been pre- 
viously muffled. The military presented a splendid appearance, 

Ou Saturday, February 22d 1800, Washington's birthday, a sermon 
was preached by the Rev. John B. Johnson (at the request of the legisla- 
ture of the state) on the death of Washington. The text was from 1st 
Chronicles, 29th chapter, 28th verse : " And he died in a good old age, 
full of days, riches, and honour." The church also at this time was draped 
with black. In the afternoon an oration was delivered in the court-house. 
Our beloved Washington is no more ! He has descended to the house ap- 
pointed lor all living, followed by the tears of a nation. 

General Hamilton to the Secretary of War. 
Dear Sir, New York, August 8th, 1800. 

Major Rensselaer, who was eldest captain of dragoons before the late 
augmentation of the army, was under that augmentation promoted to a 
major. He has some time since devoted himself to military affairs, as a 
profession for life, and is unwilling to quit. For my part I have conceived 
there was a discretion in the president on (his subject, which may be ex- 
ercised in favour of the major. A field officer for the cavalry appeal's to 
me in every view proper. For the character of Major Van Rensselaer, 
as an officer, I refer you to Gen. Wilkinson, with whom he served. The 
incjuiry I know will result greatly in his favour, and as a man, there is 
none more worthy : he is a kinsman of Mrs. Hamilton. 

With esteem and regard 

The Hon. Samuel Dexter, Secretary of War. ^- Hamilton. 

Gen. Hamilton to Gen. Wilkinson. 
Dear Sir : 

I have received your letter from Washington, my wishes in every thing 
accord with yours. I shall be glad of every opportunity of brightening 
the charm. As soon as possible I will send you the information you desire. 
A change of office has deranged my Military papers and will occasion some 
delay. ^ Major Rensselaer unwilling to quit goes to ascertain the possibility 
of remaining. I am of opinion that the thing is still in the discretion of 
the President. You I know are his friend. ,. 

lours truly 

To General Wilkinson. A. H. 

General Hamilton was a noble man, quick to do justice to others if in 
his power. In speaking of General Washington, between whom and him- 
sell a coolness had taken place towards the close of the war, and the 
colonel had left General Washington's family, he says, "all appointments 
to nfTicc, wherein ho w:.s especially called to oxereisc his own judunient, he 
nobly divested hmisclf of sympathy or antipathy, and made what he con- 
sidered the fitness of the agent to the office the ground of his choice. 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 153 

There had been for sometime such a standing, or misunderstanding, be- 
tween us, that I had no more expectation of office, than I had of being 
appointed pope's nuncio, when I received the invitation to take cliarge of 
the treasury department." The coolness was caused by the following 
malapropos casualty. The army was encamped in New Jersey, General 
Washington was just mounting his horse, to visit his advanced post, when 
he recollected a letter he had recently received from the British com- 
mander, which it occurred to him he might have occasion for whilst at 
the lines. He called Colonel Hamilton, and requested him, to hand the 
letter to him. The colonel returned to the office, but not being able to 
place his hand on it, reported, that it was mislaid. The general replied, 
" I must have it." Search was again made without effiict, and Colonel 
Hamilton returning, repeated that the letter had been mislaid, and ex- 
pressed his sorrow at not being able to find it. The general rejoined with 
warmth, "Sir, you shall find it." Hamilton was astonished, but replied 
promptly, " I shall find it, sir, but must let you know, that in addressing 
me, you do not speak to a menial." The occasion was honorable to the 
parties; it furnished General Washington an occasion for the display of 
his magnanimity, and Col. Hamilton an opportunity to assert his personal 
dignity and independence of mind. Colonel Hamilton retired from head 
quarters, but was appointed to the command of a battalion in the elite 
corps, at the head of which he stormed a redoubt during the seige of New 
York before the surrender of Cornwallis. Whilst secretary of the treasury, 
he was ex officio one of the cabinet counselors of President Washington ; 
and such was the confidence reposed by that great man in his integrity 
and ability, that he rarely ventured upon any executive act of moment 
without his concurrence. 

There had been serious divisions in the federal party on account of 
President Adams's course in the appointment of diplomatic agents for the 
negotiations with the French government before that government had 
officially signified its willingness to receive them. Timothy Pickering 
and James iMcHeury were in Adams's cabinet but opposed to him. Mc- 
Henry was desired to resign, which he did, and Samuel Dexter had been 
chosen secretary of war. The event caused much excitement, bitter 
animosities prevailed, while criminations and recriminations ensued. The 
alien and sedition laws were used adroitly by the democrats to excite 
the people against Adams's administration and the federal party. Burr, 
the most unscrupulous intriguer of the day, worked incessantly ; the result 
was, the triumph of the democratic party over the federalists. 

Extract of a Letter from Oen. Wilkinson to the Secretary of War. 

City of Washington, August 9th, 1800. 
* * * General Hamilton warmly recommends the retention of 
Major Van Rensselaer in service ; but I fear the ground he takes is not 
tenable, though the circumstance is uuduubtediy essential to the service, 
and is devoutly to be desired, as the major is a gem worthy preservation. 
A squadron of cavalry without a leader, is an unseemly thing; and not 
unlike a body without a head, from which much good cannot be expected. 
Mr. Van Rensselaer's pretensions to patronage are peculiarly strong. On 
the 20th August, 179-i, he received a shot through his lungs, at the head 
qf the troop. At the reduction of the then army, he continued in service, 
and on the levy of the late contingent force he was taken from his troop 
and promoted to a majority. The disbanding this force has, I fear, 

20 



154 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

thrown him out of service, unless you may judge proper to retain him on 
the crround of expediency, until the president or legislature may be.con- 
sulte'd Certain it is, he is essential to the formation and discipline of 
the squadron, which, without a chief, presents an original spectacle. 
]?ut he was amons; the disbanded at the reduction of 1800; and after 
that period, although anxious for a military appointment to which he 
would have done honour, his politics, as a good federalist, opposed an in- 
superable bar to his applications. The strong party feeling between 
federalists and democrats was strongly developed. 

Oovernor Jay to the Secretary of War. 
Sjr^ Albany, 19th Nov., 1800. 

Whether a major for the cavalry of United States should be retained 
in service, is a question on which it would not be proper for me to make 
any remarks. But if it should be deemed expedient, that such an oflScer 
should be retained, I take the liberty of informing you, that, from what I 
have heard and know of Major Solomon Van Rensselaer, who wishes to 
devote himself to the military profession, I really think he merits the at- 
tention of government. 

II is qualifications and conduct 'as an officer have probably been made 
known to you by Gen. Wilkinson and others. His character here as a 
citizen and a gentleman attracts general esteem ; and for my own part, I 
consider him as one of the most valuable and promising young men that 
I know. I have the honour to be, with great respect, 

Sir, your most obedient servant, JoHN Jay. 

The Honourable Samuel Dexter, Esq., Secretary at War. 

Governor Jay, perceiving it was the policy of the democratic party or 
those in power, not to accede to his suggestions, subsequently gave to 
Major Van Rensselaer the best office in his gift, adjutant general of 
New York state. Regarding which. Gen. V. R. says ; " Soon after, I re- 
ceived the appointment of Adjutant General of the militia of this state, 
under that great and good man Gov. Jay. This appointment I held during 
the respective administrations of his successors Governors George Clinton 
and Lewis ; for nine years during Governor Tompkins's administration, and, 
though subsequent to the events on which the mention of these facts is 
intcmled to bear, for nearly the whole period of Governor DeWitt 
Clinton's." These marks of consideration and of confidence were from 
such high sources, and justly obtained. After the completion of John 
Jay's mission to England to obtain the evacuation of the forts which that 
power ^^till held on the frontiers of the United States contrary to the treaty 
of 1783; compensation for losses suffered by American merchants from 
the seizure of their vessels, having cargoes for France &c., he was elected 
to the gubernatorial chair for the second time in 171)5, two days before he 
landed at New York. 

He was the first governor who set the beautiful example of proclaiming 
a day of public thanksgiving in this state. In 1815, he was appointed 
president of the Westchester Bible Society, and in the ensuing year, one 
of the vice presidents of the American Bible Society ; in 1821^ he became 
president of this society, which office he held till 1828, when he resigned 
on account of the infirmities of age. He died at Bedford May 17, 1829, 
ag<'d 81 years. Mrs. Jay accompanied her husband to Europe and eu 
leaving Paris in 1784, among the souvenirs presented by Madame de la 
Fayette to her, were two arm-chairs, embroidered by her own hands. The 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ^ 155 

Jay treaty at that time was universally applauded, Hamilton wrote to him 
" The New England people talk of makiui^ you an annual fish-oflFering." 

Oen. Wilkinson to Maj. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Van, Pittsburgh, Dec. 29, 1800. 

Your letter enclosing the testimonials of Grovernor Jay, soon reached 
me here and I immediately transmitted them to the Secretary of War, 
with cv'ery thing I could s;iy. Your IJrother [Kilian H.] will be appointed 
beyond Doubt. Mrs. Wilkinson is with me, and in Grood Health. I 
hope this may find you and your fireside comfortable and happy. Visscher 
is on the Wing and I have one Moment only in which to assure you of 
my unalterable attachment. j .™. 

Major Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. '^^^- Wilkinson. 

* * * Kilian H. Van Rensselaer was a very active and enter- 
prising man, and particularly as a seaman was capable, very able and 
accomplished. We have good re;xson for saying this much, as by his 
extraordinary e.Kcrtious on board a vessel in which we were largely in- 
terested, in a very se\^rc gale of wind and a violent storm, the crew being 
nearly all frozen, it was by his exertions alunc that the vessel w;is saved 
and brought into port. We do therefore recommend him as a seaman 
well (jualified for any Station he may engage in. 

David Gilston. 

New York, Deer. 17th, 1798. Nathn: Gr. Inqraham. 

Kilian Henry Van Rensselaer was the second child of Major General 
Henry K. Van Rensselaer and Alida Bradt, was born at Greenbush, 
Rensselaer county, February 17, 1760, He was a remarkably fine looking 
stately gentleman and much beloved by all. 

Secretary of War to Kilian H. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, . War Department, 18th February 1801. 

The President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate has 
appointed you a Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Artillerists and En- 
gineers in the Service of the United States. 

You will be pleased to notify me of your acceptance or non-acceptance 
immediately on receipt hereof; and should you accept, at the same time re- 
port yourself to Major Thomas II. Cushing. Inspector, City of Washington. 
I am Sir, with much. respect. Your Obedt. Servt. Sam'l Dexter. 

Kilian H. Van Rensselaer Esq., Spring Hill near Albany. 

" Kilian Van Rensselaer, Esq. of Greenbush is promoted to command 
the George Washington, of 32 guns and 850 meO, now lying at Newport, 
where she arrived on the 12th inst. Captain Van Rensselaer passed through 
New York on Saturday December 1800 on his way from the Seat of 
Government, to take charge of the above frigate. He is to proceed with 
all possible dispatch to the West India station." 

When Mr. Van Rensselaer was making an effort for this appointment, 
before Mr. Dexter came into office, in a letter to his brother, the major, 
he says : '' Mr. McHenry our Secretary of War observed to me, that he 
should be very happy to see one of our Name in the U. S. Navy ; he also 
mentioned that he should be very happy to see me conduct myself, in ray 
jjrofcssionai lAne, as i/ou have done in yours. He passed a number of 
very flattering Encomiums on i/our prudent Conduct and abilities which 
he desired me to imitate." 



156 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Kilian IT Van Rensselaer was a lieutenant in the navy, a very brave 
and proud spirited man who aimed at a high position in life After his 
promotion he sailed for, and arrived at the West Indies in safety, but fell 
in a duel at Cape Francis in Hispaniola at the early age of 32 years on 
Tuesday iMarch 17th, 1801, with an English naval officer on that station. 
The cause of this duel was an insult to our country and its officers, which 
the patriotic scion of the Van Rensselaer family would not submit to, and 
a challenge was the sad consequence. In maintaining the dignity due to 
our " Star Spangled Banner" he believed in resorting to coercive mea- 
sures if necessary, and evinced the same nobleness of spirit, that was sub- 
sequently mauifesied by General John A. Dix when he issued his famous 
order, January 29, 1861. " If any one attempts to haul down the Ameri- 
can flag, snooT iiiM ON the spot." This noble officer was another 
victim to that mistaken code of honor, which has so frequently sent brave 
hearts prematurely to the silent grave, sacrifice to a false view of laws. 
He now rests in a far off sunny land, beneath the moss-covered stone, 
under the massive branches of stately trees, shielded by the luxuriance 
of tropical foliage and glittering blossoms. A younger brother writes: 
" Kilian being of a magnanimous and forgiving disposition, having by lot 
the first shot, fired his pistol in the air. The English officer, more bull- 
dog like, took deliberate aim and shot him down ; for which act, my and 
his father, and his other brother, your father, never forgave the English 
nation. The old hate keeps good in the blood of the family. I have dur- 
ing life hoped for an opportunity to test it on one of the English race, 
but now I am fast passing away." In 1621, the first duel in New England 
was fought with sword and dagger between two servants. Both were 
wounded, and they were sentenced to have their heads and feet tied 
together and so to be 24 hours. 

The People of the State of New York by the Grace of God Free & 
Independent. To Solomon Van Rensselaer Esquire Greeting. 

We reposing especial trust and confidence as well in your patriotism, 
conduct and loyalty as your Valour and readiness to do us good and faith- 
ful Service, Have appointed and constituted and by these presents Do 
appoint and constitute you the said Solomon Van Rensselaer Adjutant 
Gkneual of the Militia of -our said State : You are therefore to take the 
said Militia into your charge and care as Adjutant General thereof and 
duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of the said Militia in Arms who 
are hereby Commanded to obey you as their Adjutant General and you are 
also to observe and follow such orders and directions as you shall from 
time to time receive from our General k Commander-in Chief of the Mili- 
tia of our Said State or any other your superior Officer according to the 
Rules and discipline of War and to do k. perform all other acts and duties 
to the said office of Adjutant General by Law appertaining in pursuance of 
the trust reposed in yuu and for so doing this shall be your Commission, for 
and during our good pleasure to be signified by our Council of Appointment. 
In Testimony whereof. Wo have caused our Seal for Military Com- 
missions to be hereunto affixed. Witness our trusty & well 
[excfxsior] beloved John Jai' Esquire Governor of our said State Gen- 
eral and Commander in Chief of all the Militia and Admiral 
of the Navy of the same by and with the advice and consent of our said Coun- 
cil of Appointment, at our City of Albany the twenty-third day of January ift 
the Year ofour Lord One thousand eight hundred and one, and in the twen- 
ty-fifth Year of our Indvpendi.ncc. ' Daniel Hale, Seco-. 

Tasscd the Secretary's Office the 27th January 1801. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 157 

When the army was disbanded, Major Van Rensselaer went into civil 
pursuits, but, after the death of Adj. Gen. Van Home, was called by 
that great and good man, Governor John Jay, to the responsible position 
of adjutant general of New York state on Jauuary 23, 1801. His com- 
mission is signed by John Jay, governor, and iJaniel Hale, secretary, which 
office he retained, notwithstanding the high political excitement which agi- 
tated the state, for twenty-two years. This was during the succeeding ad- 
ministrations of Governors George Clinton, Morgan Lewis, Tompkins, and 
for nearly the whole of that of Gov. DeWitt Clinton ; the latter was, sub- 
sequent to the time he rendered such important and brilliant service, in 
his country's behalf, in the war of 1812. At this period the gallant 
major was appointed an officer in the North Dutch church. The first 
time he went around at the close of the sermon as an acting deacon, with 
the plate for alms, he was closely observed by his companions. During 
the collection, on handing it to our greatly beloved Dr. William Bay, 
since deceased, who was seated at the head of his pew, his patience was 
sorely tested. The fun loving doctor, with a twinkle of his merry eye, 
for some moments fumbled in his vest pocket to find his money, thinking 
thus to embarrass the church officer. With imperturbable gravity, the 
young deacon waited a suitable time, and then, with inimitable composure, 
put his hand in his own pocket, and taking out a penny, handed it to the 
.mischievous, conscience stricken physician. I have heard Dr. Bay relate 
this incident with great glee, and say the tables were completely turned, 
that all the mortification was his own; for it made a little sensation in 
the church, causing the risible faculties of not a few of the devout wor- 
shipers to be exercised at the ingenious device of the young soldier. 

" It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the Hon. Major 
General Philip Schuyler at Albany on Sunday evening Nov. 18, 
1804 in the 71st year of his life. A man eminent for his useful labors, in 
the military, and civil affairs of our country. Gen. Schuyler was born in 
Albany on Nov. 22, 1783. In the dim galleries of the past, where now 
hang the portraits which commemorate the good, the gifted, and the brave, 
who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their honor to the cause of 
liberty in the stormiest days of the revolution, no one more deservedly 
challenges admiration than does Gen. Schuyler. Among all those grand 
actors in the heroic history of our country, whose shadowy outlines are 
now but faintly visible through the smoke of revolution and the haze of an 
intervening century, surely none should be more proudly recognized than 
General Philip Schuyler, especially by the citizens of Albany. At an 
early age he began to'display his active mind and military sbirit and was 
a captain at Fort Edward in the year 1775. He was with Lord Howe 
when he fell by the fire of the enemy at the north end of Lake George in 
the summer of 1758 ; and he was appointed to convey the body of that 
young and lamented nobleman to Albany where he was buried, with ap- 
propriate ceremonies in the Episcopal church. He was a practical, not a 
theoretical statesman ; an active, not a visionary patriot. He was wise in 
devising, enterprising and persevering in the execution of plans of great 
and public utility. The death of such a man is truly a subject of private 
and of public sorrow. On Wednesday his remains were interred with 
military honors, in the family vault of the H»n. Abraham Ten Brocck. 
The military under command of Major S. Lansing were drawn up in Wash- 
ington street; and on the appeorance of the corpse it was received by 
the line with presented arms, saluted by the officers and by the standard, 



158 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

which was enshrouded with crape, and with melancholy music by the band. 
The military then preceded the bier in open column and inverted order 
with arms reversed, the band playing a dead march. The pall was sup- 
ported by Chancellor Lansing, Stephen Lush Esq., Abraham Van Vechten, 
Esq Peter W. Yates Esq., Col. Van Vechten, John V. Henry Esq., 
Mr James Caldwell and Mr. Barent Bleecker. On the top of the coffin 
was the General's hat and sword, with boots and spurs reversed across the 
horse. His grey horse was led by two black servants dressed in black 
with white turbans. The streets were lined with people, doors and windows 
were filled, and even the house tops were not without spectators to behold 
the melancholy procession, and to pay their last offices of respect to the 
deceased. During the procession's advance, there was a regular dis- 
charge of minute guns from Prospect Hill, by a detachment of the 
artillery." Subsequently his remains were removed to the Albany Rural 
Cemetery. In 1S71, Mrs. Mary R. Miller, a grand-daughter of General 
Schuyler, erected, at her own expense, a costly granite monument over 
his remains, in one of the finest plots on the domain given by the trustees 
of the cemetery. It is eminently fitting that this beautiful city of the 
dead, so near to the home where he dwelt while living, and where slumber 
the descendants of friends and neighbors who stood, shoulder to shoulder 
in the contest of the past, should furnish for his remains a resting place. 

" Gather liira to his grave again 
And solemnly and softly lay, • 

Beneath the verdure of the plain. 
The warrior's scattered bones away." 

June 16, 1806. Monday at 11 o'clock A. M., there was a total Eclipse 
of the Sun ; the stars appeared and it was dark as at night for 3^ minutes. 

Thursd.iy, July 3, 1806. A shock of Earthquake was sensibly felt at 
10 o'clock which caused much alarm but no disastrous effects from the 
occurrence. 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, Hudson, 18th March, 1807. 

Ever since my arrival I have been engaged in making arrangements 
relative to the election. This morning I returned from Cats-Kill, I find 
our friends in this Country languid though united. In this place the 
leading federalists are firm and determined, some of our friends, however, 
have as yet not made up their minds. Mr. C — 1 talks reasonably and I 
believe without disguise, ujauy things might be stated which would satisfy 
you that great ardor and great zeal could not be expected from him. I 
have every reason to believe that with some trouble he will be induced to 
alter his tone, and to act promptly and decidedly in conjunction with his 
party. I however may be disappointed and I therefore am induced to 
add that no great expectations are intended to be excited. I am most 
thoroughly and completely satisfied that Mr. C — 1 is not a Clinton man, 
on this 1 would hazard ui} existence. The Govr. has his doubts on this 
Bubject. lie stated to me a conversation with a Clintonian, relative to 
Mr. C — 1 which I confess alarmed me. When at Catskill I satisfied my- 
self that Mackay, not Harry C — 1 was the person alluded to by the 
gentleman with whom Governor Lewis conversed. Mackay edits the 
Rccorihr. I will explain ^his at another time. The federalists at Cats- 
kill arc not oppo.sed to Gov. Lewis, Benton, Haxtun, and one or two of 
their dependants excepted. But they are not yet active or zealous, 
measures have been taken to awaken them, never did you know such 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 159 

exertions as are made by the Clintonians here and in Green. Could it 
have been so ordered as to have roused our friends, all their exertions 
would have been counteracted, u)uch can and will yet be done. But it 
requires more than one man to set a whole party in motion, why should 
we exert ourselves ? is a question daily put to me ! I answer it as well as 
1 can, my friends listen to me but they are not all satisfied. However, I 
flatter myself we shall do pretty well both here and in Green. But how 
much better we mijijht have done if a proper course had been pursued ! 
never, never have I known so glorious a prospect for the triumph of good 
men and good principles so strangely and unaccountably trifled with. The 
policy which has been pursued was doubtless conceived to be the true policy. 
I have been for some time and. am daily becoming more and more satisfied 
that if we lose the election it is because the temper and views of our pary 
have been entirely misunderstood and wantonly sported with by the 
Council. I yesterday received a line from our friend Foot. He is ex- 
tremely wroth, and is nominated as a Candidate for the Senate. The 
appointment of the SheriiF in Delaware has excited great uneasiness there, 
and I fear much injury will result from it. Foot tells me he has written 
to Tillotson. When I left Albany I mentioned to the Gov that it was 
best to postpone the appointment of the officers of the independant com- 
pany proposed to be raised here until 1 might ascertain the state of things 
here a little better. It is essential that the appointments should be made 
as soon as may be, at the same time, I do not mean that these appoint- 
ments should precede all others of a military kind. We had a meeting 
here last evening respecting Charter officers, never did I see our party ia 
this City more animated as it respects the support of federal candidates, 
about 170 voters attended. We appointed a Committee for our County 
meeting, which will be about the 10th April, I am one of the Committee 
the rest are good men. I hardly know what I have written, I am con- 
fined to my house this morning (I began this letter yesterday) by a smart 

fever. Do let me hear from you soon, o- i i i. i 

•' oincerely and truly yours. 

W. W. Van Ness. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjt. General, Albany. 

At this time there was a great struggle between the democrats and 
federalists. William W. Van Ness was one of the most eminent leaders 
among the latter. On June 9, 1807, by the Hon. the council of appoint- 
ment, he was appointed one of the justices of the Supreme Court of Ju- 
dicature of New York state, and took the place of Judge Livingston. 
No appointment whic'h has been made gives greater satisfaction. It 
reflects great credit on Governor Lewis. He was a man of most wonder- 
ful ability, and seemed to know every thing that was necessary for a man 
and judge to know. Nothing he ever said or did seemed to cost him any 
effort, yet there was a power and a strength in his intellectual movements 
which every body felt who witnessed them. He was a brilliant and a 
noble hearted man, pure in spirit and in purpose as he was gigantic in his 
intellectual proportions. 

The^e were troublous times, dating as far back as 1792. " When the 
proclamation of the French republic was made known in America, and 
that the French had made a conquest of Austrian Netherlands, the friend- 
ship of Holland during our own revolution seemed to be forgotten, for 
there was an outburst of popular feeling in favor of the French republic; 
they were blind to the total difierence between their own revolution and 



160 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

that in France. In honor of this great change there was a grand fgte, 
held in Uoston, January 24, 17931 An ox was roasted whole. It 
was then decorated with ribbons, and placed upon a car drawn by 
sixteen horses. The flags of the United States and France were dis- 
played from the horns of the ox. It was paraded through the streets, 
followed by carts bearing sixteen hundred loaves of bread and two 
hogsheads of punch. These were distributed among the. people, and at 
the same time, a party of three hundred, with Samuel Adams, lieutenant 
governor of Massachusetts, at their head, assisted by the French consul, 
sat down to a dinner in Faneuil Hall. To the children of all schools who 
were paraded in the streets, cakes were presented, stamped with the words 
Liberty and EqxuxUty. 

By public subscription, the sums owed by prisoners in the jail for debt 
were paid, and the victims of that barbarous law were set free. These de- 
monstrations were soon followed by the arrival of Citizen Genet, as he was 
styled, as minister of the French republic to the United States. He 
came in a frigate, and was landed at Charleston, South Carolina. His 
reception was all that his ambition could have demanded, and his journey 
from there to Philiadelphia, the national capital, was a continued ovation. 
He was a man of culture and tact, spoke the English language fluently, 
was frank, lively and communicative. He was precisely the man for his 
peculiar mission. He mingled familiarly with the people, proclaimed 
wild and stirring doctrines, scorned all diplomatic art and reserve, and 
assured the citizens of the United States of the unbounded aifection of 
his countrymen for the Americans, The republican leaders hailed his 
advent with delight; and a large portion of the people were favorable to 
immediate and active participation by their government with France in 
its impending struggle against armed Europe. Many in the wild enthu- 
siasm of the moment, forgetting the difl"erence between American and 
French liberty, would not have hesitated an instant in precipitating their 
country into a war that might have proved its utter ruin. If our citizens 
have not already been shedding each others' blood, it is not owing to the 
moderation of Mr. Genet but to the forbearance of the government." 

It was fortunate for the country that a man like Washington, and 
his wise counselors were at the helm and halliards of the vessel of 
state at that time, and endowed with courage sufficient to meet the dan- 
gerous popular gale. The unwarrantable conduct of Mr. Genet from the 
moment he landed in Charleston, until the date of his letter on the sub- 
ject of the negotiation, was sufficient to excite caution in the American 
government. He had there violated the sovereignty of the United States 
by enlisting men and giving them commissions to commit hostilities on 
nations at peace with us. The president issued a proclamation of neu- 
trality, warning citizens of the United States not to take part in the kind- 
ling war. At the same time it was agreed that the minister of the French 
republic should be received. The wisdom, and timeliness of Washington's 
proclamation of neutrality was soon made manifest. There were written 
proofs that Genet was truly engaged in villainous macliinations against 
our peace and friendship, in endeavors to excite discord and distrust be- 
tween our citizens and'those whom they had entrusted with their goveru- 
nient He had secret instructions in his pocket al,so to foment disturbance 
between the United States and Great Britain, and to set the American 
government at defiance, if necessary, in the execution of his designs. The 
executive department however, unawed by the storm of passion°that beat 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. IGl 

upon ifc, went steadily forward in the path of right and duty. These 
measures greatly irritated the French minister and his American partizans. 
Mr. Genet assumed a new and bolder line of conduct; he engaged in a 
correspondence with our government which on his part was replete with 
insults, till finally the government instructed our minister at Paris, to 
desire Mr. Genet's recall because he was oflfensivc to that of the United 
States. He was recalled, but never returned to France as a change of 
faction had taken place in his country, and he thought it not prudent to 
do so. Mr. Genet often spoke in after days of the wisdom of Washington 
and his administration; the folly of his own countrymen at that time and 
their admirers in America, and rejoiced that the proclamation of neutrality 
defeated his wild scheme. 

(Mr. Genet married a daughter of Gov. George Clinton. His daughter 
married a son of Col. Nicholas Van Rensselaer of Greenbush ; and his 
second son married Magdalena Witbeck a grand-daughter of Col. Nicholas 
Van Rensselaer who fought at Quebec in 1775. Mr. Genet was buried 
in 18o4, in the grave yard of the Reformed Dutch church at Greenbush, 
and since then his eldest son has been laid by his side). 

The failure of Citizen Genet's mission put an end to these unhallowed 
schemes of conquest, not however, until they had produced annoying effects 
upon the national government. A spirit of intolerance had been continued 
all this time, and still existed even in 1806, beyond the control of sober 
men, of either party ; there were more than ordinary causes for this ; the 
influence of the French revolution upon the people of this country re- 
mained with great power ; the annunciation of liberty restored in France, 
after a dark night of centuries, gave an impulse, that caused a delirium 
in the public mind, especially among the ma.sses. It was enough that the 
chain was broken, and the Bastile destroyed ; the Marseillaise and other 
famous national hymns of the French revolution were chanted in our 
streets ; scarce a thought occurred, whether here were materials to lay the 
foundation of rational liberty ; whether the French character, at all times 
easily excited, light, frivolous and changeable, ignorant of the first princi- 
ples of free government, did not require a long training, to prevent its 
termination in anarchy, or a despotism more oppressive, than that from 
which they had escaped. Many in the ardor of their feelings, were ready 
to suspect some of the best friends of liberty, if they expressed fears of 
the final result. An individual who was not prepared to hurra for the 
French, would have but little influence at elections with a portion of the 
republican party. On the other hand, the prevailing temper of the 
federal party was, to stigmatize their opponents, as French Jacobins, ready 
to approve the atrocities of the French revolution then apparent. In this 
state of things, truth requires the admission, that the republican party 
was more infected with the mania of wild French democracy, than their 
opponents. The federalists having the power of the state in their hands, 
were rather intolerant in the exercise of that power ; this at times produced 
much irritation. The federal party were in favor of the Constitution of 
the United States, and the republican party generally opposed to its adop- 
tion without certain amendments, and in consequence called anti-federal- 
ists. There were feelings of alienation on that ground and prejudices 
which had not yet been removed ; there was also much personal hostility 
between individuals arising from real or imaginary wrongs, these gave 
Keenness to the edge of political warfare. 

21 



102 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The Dolitical elements were in violent commotion and extended to 
Alb-inv at which place Mr. Genet now resided. The democratic party 
were nearly all in raptures and sympathized with Citizen Genet; not so 
juY paternal graudiather, General Henry K. Van Rensselaer Although a 
8tron<' democrat, the old soldier had shed his blood too freely for our inde- 
pendence to see it now bartered away so easily ; he still carried in his 
thic'h a constant remembrancer in the shape of British lead, and exerted 
himself to stay the torrent of a misguided community. He gave his opi- 
nion freely, stating insolent declarations and menaces regarding America, 
which Genet had made to him, in the presence of his son the adjutant 
general and others. He was contradicted and told it was false; and 
this was more fully expressed at a public meeting of democrats, of which 
Elisha Jenkins was secretary, by means of the adverse resolutions, re- 
garding a federal meeting, which were unanimously adopted. His son 
Solomon, was justly incensed that his own untarnished integrity was thus 
maligned ; and though opposed to his father in politics, being a strong 
Fedenilist, would not hear of such an insult to bis venerable and de- 
crepit sire without notice. It was the law of a soldier's nature which 
prompts him to repel a base attack on the reputation of the brave and 
the deservin*', in the same spirit which he would meet an assault on a 
military post or position, which had been committed to his own spe- 
cial keeping. He flies irresistibly to the rescue of his comrade, when in 
dancer, and he is always ready to thrust himself in, to receive any blow 
which he sees aimed at the one whom he would save. Elisha Jenkins 
(secretary of state) being the author of the resolutions, adopted at the 
republican meeting that questioned Gen. Van Rensselaer's veracity, was 
held responsible. The sequence of a well merited chastisement inflicted 
on the secretary as a base traducer, was the occasion of a disgraceful po- 
litical row, the crafty handiwork of democratic demagogues showing 
" the good old times of their boyhood," which resulted in serious injury 
to the intrepid and high minded son. The first brand thrown into the 
fire consisted of an affidavit by Colonel Nicholas Staats, of the county of 
Rensselaer, charging Adjutant General Van Rensselaer with what was 
characterized as ■' Corrupt Influence," to favor the re-election of Governor 
Lewis. This was followed by an affidavit from Gen. Solomon Van Rens- 
selaer and his father. Gen. H. K. Van Rensselaer, denying the whole 
charge, together with other aflSdavits and letters. The allusions to Mr. 
Genet in these documents called the minister of France to his feet. 
In consequence of which he published a lengthy statement as a counter 
debate, lor the opposers of Governor Lewis in order to defeat his re- 
election and implicate the reputation of the adjutant general had fabri- 
cated an affidavit which was the occasion of much trouble. 

E. 0. Oenet's Counter Statement. 

Prospect Hill, April 7th, 1807. 

Among the shafts which unknown hands dart incessantly at me through 
the poisoned channel of the papers devoted tp the most virulent faction, 
1 have noted one whose authors have had at least the honesty to give their 
names. 1 will accordingly answer them in the same way, excepting the 
ceremony of an oath, which I do not consider as necessary to strengthen 
my declarations. 

'I"hc afiidavits of Messrs. Henry K., and Solomon Van Rensselaer 
might rc<iuire on my part several remarks ; but as the public are very 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 163 

little interested to know the minute particulars of my conversation with 
them, I will merely state, that the motives which induced me to obtain 
from Mr. Nicholas Staats, at the request of several of my friends in 
Albany, a testimonial proof of certain facts which that gentleman had 
frequently divulged, were grounded on public good and equal justice. 
An attempt made to seiluce the honor of that representative of the people, 
and entice him to deviate from the path of faithfulness to constituents, 
was a very alarming precedent, if true, or a very slanderous report, if 
unsupported by evidence. The case is now before the tribunal of the 
public, and I am satisfied to have done my duty as a citizen, in exposing 
it there. 

I wonder how private opinions, totally unconnected with the transac- 
tion above mentioned, have been introduced in the affidavits of the said 
gentlemen. It appears to have been done with an intention to hurt me : 
but as passion is very often blind, her blows seldom bear. I could also 
go to a justice of the peace and swear on the Holy Book, that I never 
have said, to the best of my recollection, that after Napoleon the 1st had 
dispatched England in " case the government of the United States did not 
conduct towards him with mare civility and friendship than they had 
hitherto done, they would next be attacked and subjugated to him " — but 
by the use or abuse which has been lately made of affidavits, I confess 
that I am a stranger to the point in dispute, it would have very little effect 
upon my mind. I prefer to demonstrate, by plain reasoning, that I have 
not, that I could not have asserted that such an event should take place, 
with those degrading circumstances, or that I have been grossly misun- 
derstood. The great object of the editors, co-operators and suppliers of 
the quid papers is, to make the people believe that I am here, at Prospect 
Hill, the agent, the emissary, the factotum of Bonaparte ! Is it probable, 
if I had accepted that important embassy, after having abjured my alle- 
giance to France, when France ceased to be free, that I should be im- 
prudent enough to disclose, in that delicate situation, the ambitious views 
of my employer? Is it probable that I should be ignorant that he does 
not complain of our general administration ? Is it probable that I should 
have offered for the service of this country, as I can prove I have done, 
memorials on the use, organization and tactics of the flotillas and plans 
for the defense of our coasts and harbors? Is it probable, that knowing 
the principles of the present form of government in France, I should 
support here, by all the means in my power, the cause of liberty ? No, 
certainly not. The idea of a French invasion to take place after the con- 
quest is accomplished, has for several years been held up among the 
people, but I have always considered and represented it publicly and 
privately as a mere folly, if it was sincere, or as a trick of the English 
and federal alarmists if it was not ; and I never have thought that the 
conquest of the United States could be an object of glory, ambition or 
interest for France. What glory would there be for those veteran legions 
who have annihilated the renowned legions of Austria, Prussia, Russia, 
and so many other powers, to cross the ocean for the purpose of attacking 
a militia valorous but not yet equally disciplined ? In what would the 
ambition of France be gratified by crushing down, at an immense ex- 
pense, a government which owes to her in a great measure its existence ? 
And what advantage would there be for her to paralyze by despotism the 
wonderful activit}' and enterprise of a people so useful to her manufacto- 
ries, to her trade, to her colonics, and whom she has lately treated with 



164 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

so much macnanimity, in excluding them from the severity of the decree 
of Berlin ? It is absurd, it is deleterious to admit the possibility of such 
an unnatural event, unless that spirit of experience, reason, good sense 
and' patriotism, which has occasioned the downfall of federalism, should 
abandon our fellow-citizens, and raise up a new English faction, ready to 
insult, outrage, provoke, and even declare war against the most powerful 
nation on earth. But in case the judgment should he passed on us by 
heaven, then would we see whether the quids or the republicans would 
be the first to shed their blood for the defence of their country, and to 
perish rather than be conquered and subjugated. ^ ^ Genet. 

The state of excitement was such, after the letter of Mr. Genet was 
published, that an indignation meeting of the federalists was held at the 
City IIall,'on the 14th of April, 1807, at which among many other resolu- 
tions the following were adopted : 

* * * * jind whereas this meeting has understood that a certain emi- 
grant from France, formerly minister of the French Republic in the 
United States, and notorious for his intrigues during the administration 
of President Washington, is now zealously interfering in the elections of 
this state, and has declared to one of our fellow-citizens : '• That in case 
the Government of the United States did not conduct towards the Emperor 
of France with more fi-iendship and civility than it had hitherto done, they 
would next he attacked and suhjiujated hy him." 

Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, that the said declaration is an 
unjustifiable attempt to alarm the fears of our citizens, to violate the free- 
dom of suffrage, and to overawe the ensuing election by the menace of 
foreign powers. And it is further 

Resolved, That the renewal, at this critical juncture, of the intrigues of 
the above mentioned French emigrant, after so long an interval of obscur- 
ity, viewed in connection with the late turbulent attempt of the above 
said Irish emigrant, [Thomas Addis Emmet in an attempt made in the 
Hibernian Society of Yew York to inflame the passions of foi'eigners] 
contrary to his professed intention of taking no active part in political and 
party questions, aflfords strong grounds of suspicion and belief that a great 
cflbrt is now making, by a certain party in our state, to accomplish party 
purposes by the united force of a dangerous foreign influence. 

They considered the influence of intriguing and turbulent foreigners as 
dangerous to the peace and safety of our country. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer to E. G. Oenet. 

Cherry Hill, 15th April, 1807. 
In your statement of the 7th instant, you seem to consider General 
Van Kensselaer's and my affidavits as violent attacks upon you. Had 
you reflected one moment, it would have occurred to you that you was 
the first assailaut. Your ofl5ciousness in procuring the aflBdavit of a 
weak and intemperate man to fix a stigma on my character, for the pur- 
pose of implicating the Governors, and of which I warned you to desist 
before tliat affidavit was published, rendered a defence highly proper. 
In making that defence I deemed it right to submit to the public every 
circumstance that might serve to develop your views, or to designate 
your Hccret prompters. I do not. however, mean this explanation by way 
of apology for anything contained either in the Generals or my own affi- 
davit, to such an apology you are not entitled, because by assuming the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 165 

humble employment of an aflSdavit hunter, to subserve the basest party 
purposes, you have forfeited the consideration of every respectable citizen. 
Whatever the abuse may be which has been actually made of nffidavits, 
it cannot exonerate you from the imputation of havinji: made the foolish 
and unwarrantable assertions stated in the affidavits first alluded to. I>ut 
lest my object in this disclosure may be misapprehended, I now tell you, 
that it was not because I gave credence to your assertions or thought 
them wise ; but because I conceived that they evinced your real disposi- 
tion in relation to the relative interests of this Country and France, for in 
that view, it is of little moment how absurd and preposterous soever the 
assertions are, wh'-n an adopted citizen (as you call yourself) utters senti- 
ments which denote that he has not abjured his alien propensities, with 
the renunciation of his first allcgiivoce, it shows that the work of abjura- 
tion is not perfected. That such a man, whatever his professions may be, 
is still an alien at heart, and not to be trusted in case of a coniflct between 
his adopted and native country. I shall take no further notice of your 
statements, nor of the obligations which you seem inclined to impose on 
the United States toward France ^^ for thcAr political existence^ and thcmaij- 
nanimifij of Bonapctrte, in excluding them from the severity of tlie decree 
of Berlin'' than by observing, that whatever those obligations may be, 
they were due to your murdered Sovereign, and not to the Usurper, 
whose magnanimity and heroism you on all occasions delight to extol. 
But that the public may be more fully apprised that your confessed 
conviction of the absurdity of your assertions relative to Bonaparte's 
subjugation of this Country, does not restrain or regulate your tongue, I 
now subjoin two more affidavits. Hence it will appear that there are 
four affidavits opposed to your bare assertion on this subject. Go then to 
*' a justice of the peace and swear on the Holy Book " that you never made 
use of the expressions stated in those affidavits, and then let an impartial 
public decide where the falsehood lies. 

With respect to your affidavit maker, Staats, I only remark, that while 
he stands convicted in essential points by two credible witnesses, besides 
myself, and is a convicted liar ' of many years standing, and was seen 
going home intoxicated on Saturday the 11th inst., when his affidavit, 
accompanying your statement was taken, I deem it unnecessary to bestow 
any further attention on him than by exhibiting that conviction anew to 
the public. SoL. Van Bensselaer. 

" The demonstration made by the federalists at their indignation meet- 
ing on the 14tli was followed by a mass meeting of democrats, at which 
Mr. Rufus King, resident minister of the United States at the court of 
London, came in for a large share of censure, while IMr. Emmet was 
•warmly applauded as deserving of thanks. They viewed with lively 
satisfaction the bright prospect of triumph for their cause." 

" At a numerous meeting of republican electors, held pursuant to notice, 
at the Albany Coffee House, on Friday, 17th April, 1807, George Mer- 
chant, chairman, Elisha Jenkins, secretary. The meeting proceeded to 

'Mr. Staats in tlio year 1798, caused a publication to be made in the public 
papers about liinisolf in regard to the nomination of Mr. Jay, which wa.s proved 
to bo a misstatement as solemnly declared oii oath by eighteen persons who were 
cognizant of the whole alfair. 



166 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ^ 

take into consideration the resolutions passed at a federal meeting lately 
hoM iu this city, censurin- the conduct of Thomas Addis LMMET,E8q, 
ntul approving the interference of Rurus King, Esq., American minister 
'at Loudon in" prevcntin- the migration of certain Irish state prisoners 
to tbe«e United States, and other resolutions passed at the same meeting. 
The business of the meeting was opened and explained by the Honorable 
John Tai/ler in an eloquent and spirited appeal to the judgment and 
feeling's of al'l present. After reading the federal resolutions, etc., the 
followTu-- Resolutions were read and duly considered, and the question 
bein.' put upon each, they were all unanimously agreed to ;" * * * 
The'yVi/n/ Resolution was the cause of the State street affray, viz: 

" Resolved, That we wholly disbelieve that Edmund C. Genet, the 
former minister of the French republic, has declared, ' that in case 
the government of the United States did not conduct themselves towards 
the '^Emperor of France with more friendship and civility than it had 
hitherto done, they would next be attacked and subjugated by him.' And 
we are warranted herein, not only by the positive denial by Mr. Genet of 
his havini,' made such a declaration, but by the whole tenor of his conduct 
which has fallen under our notice since his residence in this part of the 
state. That this meeting has iucontestible evidence of his attach- 
ment to this country, inasmuch, as he has purchased and holds considera- 
ble real estate within this state ; has resided here more than fourteen 
years, has been naturalized more than three years, and, by his marriage 
with the daughter of a native citizen of distinguished rank, by whom he 
has several children, he has every tie to bind him to the interests of his 
adopted country. That to deny him the rights of an elector, would be a 
prostration of the constitution and laws of the United States, and an 
act of tyranny, which we abhor and detest. 

" Resolucd, That we see no evidence whereon to ground a suspicion or 
belief, that an effort is now making to accomplish party purposes by the 
united force of a dangerous foreign influence ; but to the contrary thereof, 
the citizens now assembled see in this charge the revival of those stale 
and auti(|uated attempts of the federal party, to alarm and agitate the 
public mind for the obvious purpose of promoting the election of Morgan 
Lewis, and defeating that of the republican candidate Daniel D. Tompkins 
&c. &c." 

The next thing in order was the ji<jht in State street : After Dr. Samuel 
Stringer had dressed the wounds of General Van Rensselaer, at the Ton- 
tine Coffee House, which was located on the north side of State street, 
above where the City Bank now stands, he was taken to Cherry Hill, on 
a mattress, in a boat. His thick, beautiful long hair, fortunately, was 
braided and clubbed behind, and this had afforded some protection to his 
head ; but his symptoms continued very alarming. The stroke from the 
heavy club on the back of his head, and the dastardly kicking after he 
was prostrate, brought him to the verge of the grave ; for many weeks he 
lay nearly unconscious, and the chance for life appeared but small. " The 
patient was confined to his bed about three weeks, sometimes worse and 
Boniutiiues better ; the wound probably would unfit him for business many 
years. Any violent exercise of body or inind, at some future day, might 
carry him off. Dr. Stringer was repeatedly asked by defendant's counsel, 
whrlher he /.-«<■(/• that there was a contusion of the brain in Van Rensselaer's 
caac ; the witness replied, that he had not been on the inside of tJie skull to 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 167 

look. Witness had forbidden his riding even in a chair, Van Rensselaer had 
formerly rode much on horseback ; but could do it no more." For years 
afterwards he could not bear the motion of a carriajre. 



Lieutenant Gonernor Tayler to t?ie Public. 

I certify, that I do not know or believe that his Excellency Governor 
Lewis furnished Solomon Van Rens.velaer, Esquire, with a Cane on Tues- 
day last; nor do I know or Believe that the said Solomon had the 
Governor's Cane during the Affray on that day ; nor do I Know or Believe 
that his Excellency the Governor did in any manner encourage or coun- 
tenance said Affray, but when I saw him, alter it was over, he plainly 
and unequivocally disapproved thereof. , — 

Albany, 25th April, 1807. •'°"-'* T^™^' 



William James, while writing at the back of his store, heard Mrs. 
Cooper scream and went out just in time to separate Bloodgood from Van 
Rensselaer. " Mrs. Cooper was between Tayler and Van Rensselaer when 
Bloodgood came up." Mrs. Cooper had been an intimate friend of my 
mother's, and till her death, my father always sent a couple of oUJcocks 
to her, on New Year's day by the hand of her excellent son, Gen. Cooper. 

The following letter was received a few days subsequently. 

Lieut. Qovernoi' Tayler to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Albany, 24th April, 1807. 

The unfortunate affray that took place on Tuesday last excites in me 
the deepest regret, and to add to the misfortune the grossest misrepresent- 
ations are propagated, it is said that my negro was armed with a Club, 
and the others of my friends were also armed and prepared. 

I can in the most solemn manner declare this to be an untruth, I did 
not Suspect any thing of the kind nor did I know that Mr. Bloodgood 
was in my house, passion and not Malice induced me to address you in 
harsh Language and to go up to you when you called to come on. I was 
confident from your skill in the use of the back sword, that small injury 
only if any could fall on you from the mean of delence I possessed, in 
this 1 am sure you will agree with me and I can most solemnly protest 
that I meant no more. 

Mr. Cooper at my door seeing me engaged with two men as he supposed 
ran out and got between you and Mr. Schermerhorn, getting hold of him 
but did not as he positively declares, see you after that or touch you at 
any time, his back being towards you. 

Mr. Bloodgood, acted under the same impression, as he also positively 
declares, and that neither of them made use of any harsh or improper 
language to which they are willing to be qualified. 

That I should in the remotest degree be the mean or Instrument of 
giving so much pain and distress to a iamily for whom I always had the 
greatest respect gives me great pain. Mr. Bloodgood most sincerely 
laments his imprudence and would not hesitate to make any atonement in 
his power. I have learnt with pleasure that the Symptoms were very 
favorable last Evening. 



168 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

That the Parent of all good may be graciously disposed to Continue 
tl.cni and that your health may Soon again be restored to the great Joy 
of your respectable and afflicted family is the Sincere wish and devout 
prayer ut' Vuur distressed humble Servant, 




Solomon Van Rensse- / / laer, Esqr , ^ 

Adiutaut General / / of t^e State 

•' ' ^ of New York, 

"Those savage gentlemen, who came well nigh being assassins, hired 
persons to watch the house and obtain information, as to the patient's situa- 
tion, from the four attending physicians. They made arrangements to 
leave the country in case of his death, which for a long time was hourly 
expected." One of the honorable men sent a beautiful letter, expressive 
of contrition, to my dear afflicted mother and begging her forgiveness; 
but, while she believed his deep regret to be sincere, the wrong inflicted 
was felt too acutely ) and the uncertainty if the life of her " loved one" 
would be spared, together with the thought that the wound might, at any 
rate, unfit him for business many years, decided her, and in sorrow the 
letter was at once returned to him. They all regretted this sad breach of 
friendship, and many years after, when the federal and part of the demo- 
cratic party united on DeWitt Clinton for governor, they sent friends 
to my father's friends, to ask them to intercede, and beg for a reconcilia- 
tion and his forgiveness. The general sent them word, he was not a 
savage, he forgave them, but could not forget the wrong done, however, 
he was willing " to bury the hatchet," and meet their advances if they 
were sincere. It was a great trial to him, but those who had once been 
the aggressors, behaved so frankly, so heartily, while the friends on both 
sides engaged in bringing about the renewal of friendship effected it so 
handsomely and judiciously, that after a long consultation with my mother, 
he fully consented. The step was never regretted, and those once bitter 
political enemies, were ever after his warm friends, Francis Bloodgood, 
when on his death-bed, sent a mutual friend, Isaac Denuiston, Esqr., to 
bog my father to visit him and grant him forgiveness. With tears rolling 
down his aged cheeks, the venerable man, pleaded that General Van 
Kensselaer would accompany him, to that chamber of death. From a 
quivering lip, slowly came the response: "Tell Mr. Bloodgood I freely 
forgive him, but cannot go to see him." 

Years after in 1826, my mother accompanied my father on a tour of 
inspection of post offices, by order of post master general, John McLean ; 
from one of her letters we take this extract : " At Rochester we remained 
a few days, ufter viewing the Falls left there in a canal boat in company 
with Colonel and Mrs. Elisha Jenkins, they were very sociable. All was 
a.s pleasant ancf cordial as if nothing disagreeable had occurred between 
the gcutlcmeu j they parted with regret on both sides." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 169 

A Brief Statement of Facts Which led to and attended the Affray in Albany, 
April 2Ut 1807. 

Oq the ITtli instant, at a uieeting of the Clintoaians in this city, certain 
Resolutions were adopted, one of which declared the utter disbelief of the 
meeting of certain facts contaified in a deposition of Henry K. Van 
Rknsselaer, Esquire, and Solomon Van Uensselaer, Esquire, the 
Adjutant General. The latter gentleman feeling himself grossly injured 
and insulted, and having understood that the Resolutions were drawn up 
by Elisha Jenkins, Esquire, who was fc^ecretary of the meeting, at- 
tacked Mr. Jenkins in the street on the morning of the 21st inst., having 
first accosted him and told him to defend himself, and gave him a severe 
caning * * * Mr. Jenkins himself being armed with a cane. About 
two hours after this Judge Tayler, in the presence of several gentlemen, 
used abusive language of the Adjutant General, calling him Assassin, 
Rascal, Scoundrd, etc., and shortly after seeing the Adjutant General 
passing down State Street, pursued him with his cane raised, calling him 
damn'd rascal, and demanding of him why he had used Mr. Jenkins thus, 
and coming up with him attacked him, the General defending himself 
with his cane, which was soon wrested from him by Judge Tayler 
* * * * Qn vvhich Mr. Cornelius Schermerhorn, jun. came up and 
furnished him with another, with which he struck Judge Tayler, and 
while they were thus engaged Francis Bloodgood, Esquire, and Dr. 
Charles D. Cooper came up, one of them crying knock the damn'd rascal 
down, the other kill the dumnd rascal, and Bloodgood with the thick end 
of a heavy cane which he held with both his hands, struck Van Rens- 
selaer from behind a blow that felled him * * * Both Tayler and 
Cooper as well as Bloodgood, then struck Van Rensselaer while down 
with their canes, and Cooper also kicked him, Van Rensselaer being 
raised up by two persons and greatly disabled, walked off with their as- 
sistance, Bloodgood pursued him, and while he was led off, struck him 
two severe blows with the thick end of his cane, held as before, Vaa 
Rensselaer being then unarmed. 

While Judge Tayler and 31r. Van Rensselaer were engaged, and just 
before the first mentioned blow from Mr. Bloodgood, Henry Yates jun. 
Esq., came up and interfered with Mr. Van Rensselaer, but being disabled 
himself by a stroke from a person unknown retired. The Governor, 
[Morgan Jjcwis took hold of Tayler and told him it was a shame. Tayler 
replied, My dear Governor, I could not help it, are we to be murdered for 
expressing our sentiments,] who happened to be near at the time of the 
affray, exerted himself to the utmost, in quelling the tumult, and the 
Mayor of the city [Philip S. Van Rensselaer] and other Magistrates, 
were very active in the discharge of their duty. The Adjutant General 
now lies very dangerously ill of his wounds. To prevent erroneous im- 
pressions, as to the transaction above mentioned, and to contradict the 
false reports that have been industriously circulated, by our political oppo- 
nents, to answer party purposes, we publish the above statement, from 
actual testimony, and from a full conviction of its truth. JBi/ order of 
Federal Republican Committee of Albany, 

John H. Wendell, Chairman. 

Teunis Van Vechten, Secretary. 
Albany, 27th April, 1S07. * 



170 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER YHI. 
Speech of Hon. Elisha "Williams. 

The affray gave rise to more law, ill feeling and vindictiveness than 
any occurrence that over took place in Albany. For this murderous 
attack, Gen. Van Rensselaer subsequently had all the parties arrested, 
and those concerned in the several encounters went to law about their 
grievances. [The difficulty which caused these suits took place at Albany, 
on the 21st day of April, 1807, a few days previous to the general elec- 
tion, at which time the republican candidate Daniel D. Tompkins was 
elected over Morgan Lewis of the federal party.] The actions were com- 
menced in the Supreme Court, and, by consent of parties, referred to 
Simeon 1)e AVitt, Esq., Mr. James K'ane and Mr. John Van Schaack, 
as arbitrators, and was tried at Albany in Aug. 1808. Abraham Van 
Vechten and John Woodworth, Esqs., were associated with Elisha 
Williams, as counsel for Mr. Van Rensselaer, and Thomas R. Gold, 
Ebenezer Foote and John Champlain, Esqs., were opposed. Speech 
OF Hon. Elisha Williams in the causes of Elisha Jenkins vs. Sol. Van 
Rensselaer. Solomon Van Rensselaer vs. John Tayler. The same vs. 
Charles D. Cooper. The same vs. Francis Bloodgood. 

" The great importance of these controversies to my client, as they re- 
spect his feelings, his property and his character, is the only apology I 
shall offer to you, gentlemen, for the observations I am about to submit. 
The high confidence reposed in you (who are selected by the parties them- 
selves) may be more finely expressed by the opposite counsel, but cannot 
be more sincerely felt than by ourselves. Nor, gentlemen, can a more 
Bure and ample pledge of your ability, candor, and integrity, be required, 
than that which you have furnished in the patience and impartiality you 
have displayed through the tedious details of this unprecedented investi- 
gation. These considerations, inspire a confidence that the few observations 
I shall now submit to you, will be attentively heard and (July appreciated. 

" The ojpposing counsel have confined their observations to the transactions 
of that uni'ortuuate day, when, on the one hand insolence and insult were 
justly chasti.sed, and when on the other, unbridled rage and brutal violence 
finally triumphed in the destruction of a patriot and a soldier. They have 
described General Van Rensselaer as the baleful star, which arose in the 
morning, and produced and justified all the fatal excesses and crimes per- 
petrated throughout the day. Upon this theme, they have poured forth 
torrent.s of declamation, and evinced all the fiction, all the ' melancholy 
madnc.><s,' if not the inspiration of poetry. 

"liut, gentlemen, I must beg the favor of you to travel back with me 
to an earlier period, to examine the causes, which produced the misfor- 
tunes (,r tliat unhappy day. And if, in this examination, we find that the 
political olonients were in violent commotion, prior to that lamented day, 
it wi- liiid that the machinations of the evil genius of our country, had 
prepared all things fur an explosion, if in fine, we find ' the hand of Napo- 
leon even in this thing,' let us hear no more of ' the baleful morning star/ 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 171 

and its baleful mid-day influence. Rather let the guilty authors of those 
horrid transactions, those incendiaries, who, to gratify an unholy ambition, 
dared to attack and stigmatize the fair fame of a soldier, to torture his 
honorable feelings with the most unfounded calumnies, until at length 
they compelled him to raise his arm in defense of his injured character, 
let these calumniators be dragged before the public, and let them feel 
from your hands, gentlemen, the punishment which their dastardly con- 
duct merits. 

"What, then, is the real cause of all these outrages, where and when 
did they commence, and by whose hand was the fatal apple of contentioa 
thrown among these parties ? 

" It had pleased Mr. Edmund C. Genet, by some means, to procure from 
a Mr. Nicholas Staats, an affidavit, deeply impugning the character and 
conduct of the adjutant general. [Said to be a bribe to vote for Gov. 
Lewis.] The adjutant general, then, not suspecting the dark and exten- 
sive system which had been planned for the destruction of his character, 
accompanied by his aged father, called on Staats for an explanation of 
his affidavit. He was referred to Genet, whose bureau, it seems, had 
now become the grand arsenal, whence were to be drawn all the political 
weapons and democratic ammunition which the approaching contest 
might require. Staats, acknowledging the errors which his affidavit was 
calculated to propagate, declared to the general that he had long refused ; 
but finally was prevailed upon to swear by the incessant and pressing 
solicitations of Genet ; and, at the same time, referred him to the citizen 
for an inspection of his oath. The General and his father then repaired 
to the house of Genet, there it was that the oflfensive observations were 
made which are detailed in the affidavit of those gentlemen. There it 
was, that this Frenchman painted the power, the designs and the inten- 
tions of the Corsica!i tyrant : Bonaparte, he said, had now disposed of all 
his European enemies, excepting England and Russia. They soon would 
fall before his power; and then, if America did not treat him with more 
respect, she must expect that chastisement which his imperial master had 
never failed to inflict upon national insolence and national impudence, 
foolishly styled national independence. These, gentlemen, were the 
observations which my client and his aged father felt it their solemn 
duty -to submit, under their oaths to their fellow citizens. In this were 
they wrong? Did they violate any rule of justice, any principle of honor 
in this procedure? No. It was a public conversation, nor, with a sem- 
blance of truth, can it be said, that any confidence was violated. Nay, 
gentlemen, had they concealed it, had they failed to give it every degree 
of publicity in their power, then indeed might they justly iiave been 
charged with treason against the independence of their country. Who 
was this man, who menaced our country with the vindictive power of 
Bonaparte? A Frenchman ! a man who, from birth, from education, from 
habit, and, perhaps, from principle, was well calculated to subserve the 
cause of his imperial master. A Frenchman, by birth, by education, a 
very Talleyrand in all the mysteries of political intrigue ; allied, exten- 
sively, to the leaders of the triumphant party ; his influence almost un- 
bounded over that party ; this man now stood forth the commander in 
chief of the republican forces of the northern department. To awe the 
federalists into silence, when art and intrigue, when calumnies and affi- 
davits had failed, he now, as the dernier resort, brandishes over their 
heads the powers and the vengeance of his imperial master. 



][72 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

" Gentlemen, conduct like this is not new in the annalg of the French 
nation, for the last twenty years. Look at all those miserable countries 
whichFrance has deceived, betrayed, revolutionized and conquered, and 
you will find the same means in full operation. Not a nation but has been 
first corrupted by the emissaries of the tyrants of the terrible republic. 
And if patriots have resisted the ruin of their liberties, if they have de- 
tected and exposed the delusions, the deceptions of their enemy, then have 
they invariably been menaced with the vengeance of the tyrants of the 
world. But, trentlemen, these emissaries, who in every form, spread like 
locusts through every country, have always been able to delude and lead 
astray the majority of the people. They corrupt the presses, the very 
sources of information. They flatter the ignorance, the prejudices of their 
intended victims, they wrap around them the glittering robe of liberty, 
which veils a thousand deformities, they become the friends of universal 
liberty, the genuine defenders of the rights of man, they represent France 
as engaged in the great cause of philanthropy and liberty. They con- 
stantly, and through a thousand channels, pour upon the people whole 
floods of high sounding terms and metaphysical jargon, and thus they 
succeed in bewildering the judgment, and corrupting the integrity of mil- 
lions. In this seductive form, they have constantly profi'ered their accursed 
principles to the world; and on the eastern continent, nation after nation 
have 'drunken the medicated draught, nor dreamed of the lurking poison, 
until, racked by convulsions, they awoke to expire!' 

"Gentlemen, are not these facts established beyond the power of con- 
troversy ? Do you not already perceive, even in this our native country, 
that this sentiment, which, when first expressed by Genet, was deemed so 
infamous as to call forth its condemnation from the united sufi"rage of the 
party, is now heard with approbation? Yes, it now passes current for 
sound republican doctrine ; and the very thoughts and sentiments then 
first broached by Genet, are daily ushered into public, through the columns 
of the Boston Chronicle, the Baltimore Whig, and even Col. Duane's Au- 
rora, with the silence, at least, if not with the approbation of the republi- 
can party. With a full knowledge of all these circumstances, gentlemen, 
let me now ask to whom were these insolent menaces uttered ? To Gen. 
Van Rensselaer, an old and faithful servant of his country, an ofiicer of 
the revolutionary army, who had little left but his honor and his wounds, 
to entitle him to the notice of his country; and to his son, the first mili- 
tary officer of the state. These American officers heard this language 
from a Frenchman, with that indignant spirit which should ever inspire 
the defenders of our country. They were bound by every principle of honor 
and virtuous patriotism, to caution their fellow citizens against the in- 
trigues and principles of a man, dangerous from his connections and influ- 
ence. They felt the full force of the obligation, and their affidavits came 
before the public, supported by the oaths of M'Donald and Rockwell, in 
whose presence Genet had made similar declarations. 

'' Tlie lederal meeting, referring to the affidavit, and extracting the par- 
agraph, express of Genet, his sentiments, and his political conduct, their 
warmest abhorrence. In the estimation of certain gentlemen, who styled 
themselves republicans, it became important to clear their northern manager 
from the imputation of sentiments and designs so detestable, and then so 
unpopular. Rut h„w was this to be eifectcd ? Two American patriots, two 
gentlemen of unblemished character, had, by their oaths, convinced the 
pubhc of their truth. Tu remove that conviction, the most violent and 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 173 

imposing measures must be adopted. First, Genet must be called on to 
deny the assertion of" those gentlemen. He, however, declines making 
his affidavit. He surveys himsell' with all the complacency and pride of 
conscious greatness, and asks ' shall I, who but yesterday a great.miiiistcr 
of the terrible republic ; who assisted in the production of a revolution 
which has wholly overthrown the land-marks of civil society, shall I, who, 
with impunity, attacked the character of the god-like Washington ; who 
appealed from the constituted authorities of this country, to the populace, 
and shook to the very center the government and constitution of this re- 
public, shall I, who sanctioned in my own country all those principles which 
finally mingled in one mighty ruin the throne and the altar, shall 1, who 
even now bask in the dazzling glory, and greatness of IJonaparte, I, who 
am mi/scl/a Frenchman shall I, stoop to kiss the Gospels of God to .sanction 
what I publish? No. Two American officers have sworn to a fact. Sin- 
gular indeed must be the state of the republican mind, and all my efforts 
and intrigues must have wholly failed of their wonted succee§, if the very 
troops 7, command, are not yet prepared, upon mi/ word of honor, to 
pronounce those tifficers guilty of perjury. ' Gentlemen, was he mistaken ? 
Not at all. As though inspired by his genius, a republican meeting was 
called at the seat of government : a ci-devant republican secretary of state, 
descended to the rank of a republican secretary of this electioneering con- 
vention. This universal secretary, introduces to this meeting, a resolution 
substantially adopting the assertion of his manager, as truth, and substan- 
tially declaring that General Van Rensselaer was guilty of perjury. Yes, 
gentlemen, an officer of our government, dependent upon his superiors, if 
not upon Genet for a future salary, thus descends from his high station, 
to become the propagator of the basest slander. But he did not stop here. 
Not contented with this private blow at the character of the general, he 
steps forth into the gazettes of the day, and sanctions by his name and his offi- 
cial character, the basest slander that ever transpired. That this name 
gave a character, weight and deadly influence to this calumny, which it 
never would have derived from teu thousand anonymous publications, is 
not to be disguised. 

" Much has been said of the character, the exalted standing, the exten- 
sive influence of the secretary. We admit them all. But surely in pro- 
portion to that character, standing, and influence, when he gave his name 
to the propagation of the slander, he inflicted a wound upou Gen. Van 
Rensselaer's character more deep and deadly. And in the same proportion, 
was the injury he inflicted and the crime he perpetrated, more agi^ravated, 
more destructive. And here, gentlemen, let it be remembered, that Gen. 
Van Rensselaer was not a volunteer before the public. He was drawn 
out in self-defense again.'^t the foul aspersions of Staats, upon whom Genet 
has prevailed to swear to conversations implicating the general's reputation. 
He was not the first ' to cheapen oaths,' by making voluntary affidavits. 
No, this very Citizen Genet, who afterwards disdained to swear to a sus- 
picious statement, he was the man, that first induced the attack in the 
form of an affidavit. How, then, can his advocates indulge in declamation 
against Gen. Van Rensselaer, for the course he adopted '( Away with all this 
French mummery — this squeamishness of ' cheapening oaths.' They are 
observations which should blister the mouths of the advocates of the man, 
who imposed the painful duty on my client of repelling with his oath a 
base and insidious slander, to which Staats had been made to swear. 

[" The federal republican cause, founded on the basis of the common 



174 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

good, and having for its objects the preservation of social order and the 
protection of general liberty, is a common cause, in which the interest of 
free citizens "^in general arc concerned : That it is a common duty of 
federal republicans without regarding local distinctions, to support that 
cause wherever it is questioned, to assert and maintain its principles 
wherever they are assailed, and to defend the reputations of our most 
virtuous and distinguished patriots whensoever, and by whomsoever they 
are calumniated."] 

" But it is now denied that Mr. Jenkins referred at all to the affidavit 
of Gen. Van Rensselaer. He referred, say his counsel, only to the reso- 
lutions of the federal meeting. Gentlemen, if those resolutions were be- 
fore him, the marks of quotation therein used, clearly demonstrate from 
whom the extract was made. If the public papers of the city were before 
him, the affidavit itself was under his eye. If in short the denial, the 
word of honor of Genet was before him, then he was referred to the 
affidavit, and then all pretense of not referring to the general's affidavit, 
while he cites its language with such scrupulous exactness, must appear 
a hollow pretense and a puerile evasion, I disdain to spend another 
moment in exposing this weak subterfuge of conscious guilt. What grounds 
then, gentlemen, had Jenkins to publish to the world a charge of perjury 
against Gen. Van Rensselaer ? Is his veracity questionable ? Is the 
story improbable ? Is there any opposite testimony ? On the contrary, 
he is fully supported by three witnesses of unimpeachable veracity. Yet, 
says Mr. Jenkins, I believe these gentlemen guilty of perjury, because 
Mr. Genet denies the charge. I believe his naked assertion though op- 
posed to the oaths of four American citizens, characters above suspicion. 
But why believe Genet? Because ' this meeting have incontestible evi- 
dence of his attachment to this country.' And where is that evidence ? 
Is it to be found in the calumnies which he heaped upon' the immortal 
Washington r* Is it to be found in his early attempts to drag this country 
into the wars of Europe; in his effijrts to involve us in all the horrors of 
the French revolution ? In the insults which he profusely dealt out to 
our finnest patriots ? Or is it to be found in those wretched remnants of 
jacobin clubs which a hi mode de Paris he scattered through the con- 
tinent ? Where is it to be found ? What exploit for American inde- 
pendence exists of which he is the author ? What monument of patriotism, 
of bravery or of wisdom will remain to tell posterity even that he ever 
existed ? You search in vain ! Not so my honorable client and his 
venerable father! The one even in youth a veteran. The other long a 
faithful Kcrvant of his country both in the cabinet, and in the field. Let 
them bare their scars, those honorable testimonials of their long and faith- 
ful services to their native country; and to them let this adopted citizen 
boast of his warm attachment to our republic. 

"Hut the meeting further say Genet had married into a respectable 
family, that he has several children, that he had been naturalized and, 
W!is the purchaser of real estate. I dispute not the respectability of the 
family with which be is connected. But if this consideration is to affect 
the question, I ask, from what family has my client descended ? Search 
the annals of the state, and you will find from its earliest settlement that 
lamily has never cea.sed to be honorable. The children of Mr. Genet, I 
jrrant arc conclusive evidence of the soundness of his constitution ; but 
by wImtHpeciesot necromancy the secretary could drag them in to bolster 
the veracity ul their father, is wholly unknown to me; norcan I perceive 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 175 

in "what manner his naturalization and property can be applied, either to 
confirm the denial of Genet, or to prove the perjury of Van Kensselaer. 

" If Mr. Genet was naturalized, I admit he was entitled to all the politi- 
cal privileges which the directors of this ' asylum of oppressed humanity' 
have determined to extend to emigrants from Europe. But [ would 
humbly submit, whether the citizen, or any other emigrant, has any 
claim to a credit superior to that of the native citizens of our republic. 
Gentlemen, all these pretenses are straws at which counsel will ever 
grasp, when sinking in a flood of absurdity, and behold no chance of 
escape. Had they not been dwelt upon in the resolutions, and supported 
by the very respectable counselor, in opposition, I should have deemed 
them scarcely worth a comment. 

" Gentlemen, you will perceive that I have treated the resolutions of the 
democratic meeting implicating Gen. Van Kensselaer's character, as the 
ac,t of Mr. Jenkins. We do not deny to any man or number of men the 
privilege of canvassing on the eve of an election. But we deny tiiut any 
political club is justified in greater liberties with individual character, 
than is permitted to individuals of that club. We deny that any indi- 
vidual of the meeting who promoted the circulation of the slander, is to 
be at all protected because others joined with him in perpetrating the 
outrage. And, above all, we deny, that a man who gives his name to the 
public in support of a calumny, who, thereby, gives it force, and form, 
and durability, can skulk from the responsibility, behind that portion of 
the populace, whom he might prevail upon to sanction the transaction. 
Wherever, then, the vile tale originated, whether in the wily brain of a 
foreigner, or whether in a motley concourse of electioneering dependents, 
Jenkins adopted it as his own. He placed it on a lasting record. He 
attempted to hand the name of my client and his aged father down to 
their posterity, covered with the deepest infamy. Is he not then answer- 
able for his conduct? As a gentleman, can he wish to avoid responsi- 
bility ? Does he attempt to shield himself from responsibility behind the 
political puppet.s, whom he collected and danced before the public in 
Albany ? For his own honor, gentlemen, let him disavow attempts, so 
weak, so degrading. Let him step boldly forth, and in the character of 
a man, tell you, ' If I have injured General Van Rensselaer, here I am to 
answer him.' J>et him disdain longer to keep a position so humble, so 
disgraceful, as is that in which his counsel have placed him. It is strongly 
insinuated, however, that, as a .soldier, General Van Rensselaer was 
bound by the code of honor to call his antagonist into the field, and wash 
away the injury with blood. Gentlemen, he might have called him ; and 
80 might he have ' called spirits from the vasty deep.' Not that I would 
insinuate aught against the personal bravery of Mr. Jenkins. But this 
is certainly true, that Van Rensselaer, who had sought a person:ii inter- 
view the preceding day, could hardly expect that this gentleman, who 
had promised to see him, and had falsified his promise, would now re- 
proach him with any violations of the rules of honor. And here, gentle- 
men, permit me to correct the opposing counsel, who seems to suppose 
that Schermerhoru was directed by Van Rensselaer to conceal his name 
from Jenkins. He did not. The measure was adopted by Schermerhorn, 
as he says, because he believed it the only course to procure a personal 
interview between the parties. That Jenkins knew tho person who 
sought the interview was Gen. Van Rensselaer, is perfectly obvious, by 
the testimony of Mr. John C. Spencer. Why then did not Jenkins com- 



\ 



176 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ply with his promise to Schermerhorn. This he might have done in the 
presence of his friends. And if he was unconscious of having inflicted 
intentional injury, he could have feared no personal violence. Gentlemen, 
if Jenkins could have uttered the language which his counsel now utter 
for him, would he not have met the general and have said to him, ' It 
was not'my intention to question your veracity, I did not allude at all to 
your affidavit. I only referred to the proceedings of the federal meeting.' 
Such an explanation (if founded in truth), would as readily have been 
offered as accepted as satisfactory by any man of honor. This, gentlemen, 
Jenkins did not do. With truth he could not do it. No, he well knew 
that he had inflicted upon Van Rensselaer a wound which apologies could 
not heal. He had declared to the world that the general and his father 
had incurred the moral guilt of perjury, that they had severed the chain 
which bound their consciences to truth and to heaven, and had become 
richly entitled to temporal and eternal infamy and wretchedness. Whjit, 
then, could General Van Rensselaer do ? Insulted in the grossest manner, 
wounded in the tenderest point, and doubly wounded by the attack upon 
his aged and defenseless father; denied the possibility of access to Jen- 
kins ; goaded almost to madness by the conduct of his adversary, he de- 
termined to chastise and disgrace the man who had wantonly and in cool 
blood aimed the dagger at his reputation ; and who when called on for a 
personal interview had promised it, but had basely forfeited his promise. 

" This he did. And now gentlemen let me ask, was the chastisement dis- 
proportionate to the offense r* I do not contend that the provocation, high 
and aggravated as it is, furnishes a legal justification of the assault and 
battery. But it must reduce the damages to a point, merely nominal. 

"That Jenkins expected (as he knew he merited) the chastisement he 
received, is evident from his language to Spencer, that he knew of the 
attack, is evident from the testimony of Miss Steele, of Eaton, and of 
several other witnesses ; for when he beheld the man he had injured in 
pursuit of him, could he doubt his object? It is also evident from the con- 
versation that succeeded the affray. When Van Rensselaer declared that 
he had given him notice prior to the blow, he did not at all deny the truth 
of the a.^sertion. But above all it is evident from the character of the as- 
sailant. Strong and conclusive, gentlemen, must be the evidence to con- 
vince any one, that a man of acknowledged honor, bravery and humanity, 
like Gen. Van Rensselaer, could act so contrary to all his principles and 
his habits. 

*' There cannot be a doubt then, gentlemen, that Jenkins beheld Van 
Ilentiselaer in pursuit of him, heard his call, and expected the attack. 
That Van Rcn.sselaer was his superior, both in activity and resolution, 
and that he easily inflicted the chastisement he intended, we admit. And 
if we are to give any credit to the towering flights of the counsel, a scene 
followed in which more blood was spilt than flowed at the battle of Tra- 
falgar. If the counsel are correct, poor Mr. Jenkins was beaten to a 
very rauuimy, his joints were dislocated, his bones broken, his features 
all di.-figurcd, and he exhibited to the astonished citizens a spectacle to 
di.H.><(.lvo the marble heart of the veriest savage. This, gentlemen, is a 
d(deful picture ; but unfortunately it has no original. What is the evi- 
dence '/ While Jenkins was down and in Van Rensselaer's power, he did 
to be sure inflict several blows ; but in a part where most it wound his 
honor and least endangered his life or limbs. He then voluntarily re- 
treated, and Jenkins rose and retired. Van Rensselaer did not pursue 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 177 

him. He chose the manner best calculated to disgrace him, to punish 
him for his insulting and injurious conduct to himself and his father. 
You, gentlemen, as men of honor, who know and duly estimate the value 
of reputation, who can feel the situation of a man unjustly and vilely 
calumniated, you will fully examine the oflPense and the provocation, and 
you will say, whether Jenkins did not merit the slight chastisement he 
received from the man he had wantonly injured. 

" I come now to the causes in which General Van Rensselaer is plaintiff. 
And, gentlemen, in the very threshold we are met by a sort of justifica- 
tion interposed by the defendants, generally, not a little singular. 

" The argument of the opposing counsel is in substance this. To my 
client they say, ' you, sir, in the morning, broke in pieces the shield of 
the law. You therefore demolished all legal protection, and became an 
outlaw through the day. Upon you as upon Cain of old, was fixed a mark, 
and any that found you might kill you.' Really, gentlemen, I am dis- 
posed to allow much for the difficulties with which the counsel are forced 
to struggle. And much for that peculiar horror which their ingenious 
minds must have experienced when they were forced to enter upon the 
justification of a transaction so savage and flagitious. But this is a stroke 
80 bold, so utterly at random, as to surpass the bounds of charity itself. 

" If General Van Rensselaer had committed a breach of the peace in the 
morning, it might well operate as a warning against all similar excesses 
for the day. But by what principle of common sense, reason or law it 
could justify or extenuate subsequent outrages, outrages, too, so enormous 
and bloody, is wholly beyond my power to conceive. Nor can I devise 
any legal or rational connection between the morning chastisement and the 
savage excesses in the afternoon. 

" But by what authority did these defendants become the avengers of 
Mr. Jenkins's wrongs ? VVhat connection exists between them and Jen- 
kins ? Not that consanguinity which, among savages, entitles to vengeance. 
None but a political connection has been disclosed. And has it come to 
this ? If, insulted and injured in the grossest manner by a man who refuses 
me every other satisfaction, I chastise and disgrace the insolent poltroon ; 
and if he happens to be a republican, has every member of that fraternity 
a license to grasp the cudgel, feel himself injured, and offer me personal 
insult and violence in the street. Gentlemen seem to suppose that when 
Van Rensselaer presumed justly to punish a man bearing the sacred name 
of republican, it was war de Jure with the whole tribe of democracy. Nay, 
not content with this, they declare it a war of extermination, a war which 
would justify the tribe even in the vilest attempts at assassination. If, 
gentlemen, this triumphant tribe have arisen superior to the law as well as 
the constitution ; if to gratify their passions, all the sacred principles of 
justice, equity and law, esteemed so sacred and inviolable by our ancestors, 
are to be trampled under foot, then this high claim may have some founda- 
tion. But if we are ' brethren of the same family,' and law and justice 
rise superior to the political squabbles and clubs of the day, then a weaker 
or more ridiculous extenuation of an outrage, never was attempted. 

" Permit me, gentlemen, to call your attention to the case of Tayler 
alone. We are here charged with several offenses. First, after the affray 
with Jenkins, Van Rensselaer inwlentli/ walked the streets ; went to the 
tavern where his horse was ; and to the post-office for his letters. And 
pray, why should he not walk the streets ? After caning a man who 

23 



178 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

richly merited it who but a tyrant would attempt to prevent it, and who 
but a madman would question his right ^ , , , 

" \.rain it is said he souqht Tayler. This is not true ; for, had he sought 
him^ when in full view of' Lewis's Tavern he stood upon the side walk on 
the direct course to the post office, would Van Rensselaer have passed to 
the opposite side of the street, and on his return have entered upon the 
south side walk below him ? . 'Tis incredible. But he did not run, when 

Tayler called him d d rascal and assassin. No, he did not run from 

Tayler. He never did turn his back upon an adversary, and I trust in 
God he never will. These, gentlemen, are not the general's habits. 
His conscience and his feelings never taught him this resort of cowardice. 
"This Jud<'e Tayler is a grave, wealthy, senatorial father of the city, 
whose presence might arrest\he arm of the pugilist, quell a mob, or hush 
a riot ; whose staff, like the trident of Neptune, could in an instant settle all 
the waves of commotion, and preserve order even among the elements of an- 
archy. 3Ir. Hutton, in the true character of a Christian, which he ever 
sustains, exhorted Judge Tayler to use his influence to prevent any further 
excess. This gravely and repeatedly he promised. While yet these 
promises are upon his lips, a messenger arrives at his door. The judge 
is no rude man ; yet, sans cirimonie, he leaves his friends. What powerful 
motive impelled him ? Possibly he heard that General Van Rensselaer 
was insolently walking the street. Vengeance ran rasping through, every 
vein. The grave mentor, the venerable father of the city, grasping a 
bludgeon in his hand, while his eyes beamed meekness and complacency 
on his friends remaining within his own walls, rushed forth to gratify his 
malice, and to wallow in revenge. 

" The age of Tayler may have dimmed his sight ; but, when the name of 
Van Rensselaer is pronounced by Mr. Rodgers, he instantly drops the arm 
of his friend. Even the frozen blood of the grave old senator boiled 
like ,iEtna's crater ; and the first words that issued from those lips that 
so lately, sweetly promised peace, were ^ you d — d rascal why did you, 
like an assassin, attack Jenkins?' In what ' code of politeness' do the 
opposite counsel find a warrant for the venerable judge for the use of this 
lauguaye ? Tayler, with cane uplifted, rushed to the conflict, and my 
client did not run. ' Ergo (say the gentlemen), they fought by mutual 
consent.' Let me not disturb this logical conclusion, but frankly admit, 
that my client never would have troubled you with this suit against 
Tayler, had he not reason to believe that by his procurement, the mob 
was drawn to the scene of action, with intention to permit the adjutant 
general to dejtart with his life, and with that only-. 

" What is the evidence of preconcert ? Tayler's house happens to be the 
rendezvous of many of his friends. Tayler repairs to the market to pur- 
chase provisions, which he hajypenrd to forget to bring or order home. 
He whispered to the Cassidys. One of them immediately after Tayler 
left the market, with a club drawn, from some republican arsenal, 
hiippened to appear at the scene of action. The younger Cassidy invites 
hi« companion to go up to State street to ' see the scrape.' How did it 
hipprn that these Cassidys were so wonderfully correct if not previously 
informed ? When Gen. Van Rensselaer passed up to Lewis's, Cassidy 
said, ' now the d— d rascal (the watchword of their chieftain) will pay for 




Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 179 

concert and of deep design. The battle soon commences; and wliile 
victory is suspended in equal balance, Cooper appears, not to rescue his 
wife from danger; she was of minor consequence, and committed to the 
protection of another. [Mrs. (Jooper ran out of the house and took hold 
of Tayler, her father]. Not to defend Tayler from imminent danger, for 
his friends think he had the better of the battle, and stood in no need of 
assistance ; but Cooper appears, crying ' knock the d — d rascal down.' 
He passed Van Rensselaer and took hold of him or his cane, probably 
the latter; for the small end of his cane being arrested behind would 
bring the large end forward against Tayler's breast, as described by the 
witnesses, and the force of the blow being spent, the cane easily be 
arrested from Mr. Van Rensselaer's hand. Cooper not only thus assisted 
to disarm Van Rensselaer, but, as one witness declares, struck him. And, 
when bleeding and defenseless, he lay prostrate upon the earth, ho kicked 
him on the side ; that side, in which great and continued pain long re- 
mained, without any other cause that has or can appear. iMiis conduct, 
cruel and savage as it is, does not prevent his counsel from attempting to 
present him to you in the character of a peace-maker. A peace-maker ! 
What, that man who, when the battle was raging, mingled in the conflict, 
who disarmed and presented my client as a defenseless victim to the 
bludgeon of his adversary, who, constantly cried havoc, and gave his full 
assistance to the production of the catastrophe, he a peace-maker ! Gentle- 
men, if this be the conduct of peace-makers, let the blessing pronounced 
upon them be blotted from the holy record. 

" It is worthy of remark, that while Tayler was surrounded by about 
seventy of his personal and political friends. Van Rensselaer contended 
with a host alone. But, 'tis said ' Schermerhorn was there,' Yes, Scher- 
merhorn, who, as one of the witnesses swears, commanded almost the ele- 
ments ; he that day was there. This giant, this Hercules, this Orlando • 
Furioso, was there. But that he raised his hand against any one, until 
Van Rensselaer was nearly murdered by the joint attacks of Tayler, Blood- 
good, and Cooper, is not pretended by any mortal. 

" These, gentlemen, are the facts applicable to the cases of Tayler and 
Cooper. That they participated in the outrage, that they gave their full 
assistance to the destruction of my client, is beyond a doubt. That by 
their instrumentaliky, the mob was collected and the catastrophe produced, 
is also clear. It remains with you to say what punishment their conduct 
merits. 

" Passing over the causes of Tayler and Cooper, aggravating, and dis- 
gusting as they are, I approach one of a very different complexion ; one 
which neither friend or foe can examine without extreme pain. Such a 
case I have never witnessed, of such an one I have never read, and for 
the honor of human nature, I trust such a case will never again appear 
for judicial investigation. I am not an enemy of Mr. Bloodgood ; *but I 
have, gentlemen, a sacred duty to perform ; and if in the discharge of 
that duty, I lay him naked before himself, if I paint his conduct loathsome 
and shocking to humanity, he and his friends will be pleased to remember, 
that he furnished the detestable original. He has permitted this cause to 
come to this situation, where the silence of counsel would be treason to 
the client. In examining this cause I must, and I will, as far as in me 
lies, discharge the duty I owe to a worthy client and a suffering friend. 

" Permit me, first, to examine the apology or defense set up for thi.^ man's 
conduct. It is comprised in this : ' He was in a frenzy of passion ; and 



180 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

thought his friend, Judge Tajler, in imminent danger.' Judge Tayler, 
who had crown gray in the study of the pugilistic art ; whose dexterity 
and experience in the use of the cane, could not be unknown to those who 
were bound to him by a ' triple cord ;' Judge Tayler, whose herculean 
stature speaks his prowess ; who, with the assistance of his hopeful son- 
in-law, had disarmed his adversary, and who, surrounded by seventy de- 
pendents armed with bludgeons, was in contest with a single man ; this 
same Judge Tayler, thus situated, was in such imminent danger, as to 
justify Bloodgood in the murder of his adversary ! That Mr. Blood- 
good was frantic with rage, is certainly undeniable. But why was he so ? 
Had General Van Rensselaer ever, from his infancy, performed one act, 
or uttered one syllable that could justly kindle all his malignant passions 
into a conflagration so uncontrollable? Had he injured Bloodgood ? On 
the contrary was not this man one of that very meeting which originated 
the vile slander against the general ? Had he been in any way attacked 
for his participation in this outrage? Not at all. What then is the force 
of this paltry attempt in his justification ? Without the slightest provo- 
cation, lie tramples on justice, discharges his reason and his judgment, 
gives himself up to the control of his malice and his passion, and then 
pleads that very passion in excuse for the consequences of its violence. 
Now, gentlemen, examine the conduct of this man. While the contest 
continued between the general and Tayler, and none of the spectators 
thought proper to interfere, Bloodgood, whether from Robison's corner, 
or from the site of the old church, or from Tayler's house, is wholly im- 
material, rushes into the street, crying " kill the damned rascal ;" an ex- 
pression used as a watchword by every member of the party, from Tayler 
to Cassidy. He then rushed behind Van Rensselaer, and with the butt 
of his bludgeon (the smaller end being grasped by both his hands) he 
aimed a blow which brought his victim to the ground. Gentlemen, what 
language can be found to express the deep infamy of this act ? While 
engaged with Tayler in front, Bloodgood, like a man abandoned by every 
feeling of honor, of courage, and even of manhood, strikes a blow from 
behind with a violence which nothing could withstand. Attacked in this 
assassin-like manner, Van Rensselaer falls. At this, Tayler gave way, 
and, as though indignant at the infamous conduct of his coadjutor, left 
the ground. And even Cooper, having kicked his victim while wallowing 
in his gore, also retired and left the scene clear to the humane assassin 
who had brought him to the ground. Partially recovering from the effects 
of the blow. Van Rensselaer attempts to rise. But before he can recover, 
another blow from liloudgood again brings him nearly to the ground. At 
this moment the crowd rush forward. Pale, bleeding, feeble, Van Rens- 
selaer now totters from the fatal spot. Still frantic with rage, Bloodgood, 
us though nothing but the expiring groans of his defenseless victim could 
satisfy his mighty malice, still rushes upon him. Yes, gentlemen, a de- 
fenscle.'i.s victim he truly was. His wandering eyes, his death like visage, 
spoke his disordered senses. Instinct taught him to strive for the pre- 
servation of his life j and, therefore, he raised his feeble guard against, 
he knew not what or whom. Bloodgood, still unsatisfied, still thirsting 
for blood, unmoved by this spectacle of weakness and wounds, beats down 
his guard, and continues the savage attack. Blow succeeds blow, and 
wound succeeds wound, until the iiulignant spirit of the soldier, tempered 
with the laith of an expiring Christian, exclaims in agony, ' Oh my 
JcbUH . At this moment, as if forsaken by his God, as if given up to the 



Legacy of HtsxoRicAL Gleanings. 181 

perpetration of a crime at which his soul must still shudder ; at this 
moment, when his mutilated victim could firidprotection from no human arm, 
and when, seemingly in vain, he cried to the God of mercy, this frantic 
man again drew his fell weapon in both his hands, raised himself as if to 
superadd the weight of his body to the strength of his arm, and seemed 
to aim the final blow at his feelde, bloody, and almost expiring adversary. 
Instantly Mr. William James, as a rescuing angel, rushed forward and* 
arrested the arm of this infuriated, this forsaken man. To him alone is 
it owing that this trial is permitted to be had. liut for his instantaneous 
presence the fatal blow would have fallen ; a blow which would have 
widowed two families and left their children orphans; a blow, which 
must have sent to its long account the soul of a patriot and a soldier, and 
have drawn down the vengeance of justice and of heaven upon its bloody 
author. Let that unhappy man join in devoutly thanking the great dis- 
poser of events, that this was not permitted. 

" This, gentlemen, is a correct portrait of this bloody scene. That it ia 
a picture compounded by the blackest shades, without one tint of bright- 
ness ; that it exhibits a creature of earth in all the naked deformity of 
corrupted human nature; that it displays all the vile passions and (juali- 
ties which can reduce ■ social man to a civilized savage,' is unhappily, 
wholly undeniable. And upon a full view of this infernal transaction, it 
is now your duty to mete out to General Van Rensselaer, the damages 
which his sufferings and his present ruined situation require at your hands. 
From whom are these damages to be taken ? From men, wallowing in 
wealth; basking in the sunshine of political favor; monopolizing all the 
emoluments of the treasury, and enjoying the most lucrative offices in the 
state. As to one of them, it is, beyond all doubt, the first in point of emol- 
ument, of any in this state No small sum will reach their feelings. Award 
against them but a few thousand dollars, and they will, laughingly, assign 
a portion of their income, for a few months, to pay the award. 

" And, to whom are these damages to be given ? To a soldier, who, in 
the field of battle, has proved his patriotism and his bravery, and has, 
emphatically, learned that mutual dependence is the strong cord which 
binds ingenuous souls together; that the only proper use of wealth is to 
render ourselves and friends happy. To a soldier, who is a brother to the 
whole human race ; whose heart pants to find the object of charity, and 
whose hand has never withheld from a friend in want even the price of 
his blood and his wounds. To a soldier, in whom, even while a youth, 
his country reposed the most unbounded confidence, and towards whom 
the veterans of our land cast a partial eye, and destined him for high 
military glory. To a soldier, who, by this cruel, this dastardly, this 
barbarous outrage, is compelled to drag out a life of pain and wretched- 
ness. Should he be permitted to retain his present office, while there 
are few or no active duties to be discharged ; yet his activity is gone, and 
the pride of his office and fame is vanished for ever. But should war, 
with which we are so loudly threatened, actually visit us, conscious of the 
want of health to discharge the arduous duties of his office, he must 
abandon his profession, and cast himself and his family upon the tender 
mercies of a republic. 

" What portion of pain has he now already endured. What agony has 
been thrown upon his family. Behold him returned to the arms of a 
disconsolate wife, covered with wounds, and in a situation but a little 
above death. Scarce one ray of hope is aflforded by the physiciaos. 



132 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Behold his wretched days and sleepless nights. Of his senses occasion- 
ally bereft and tottering to his grave in pain and misery. 

•'Gentlemen, observe him well, and say, what ought those monsters who 
have produced this ruin, to suflFer for their savage conduct. With what 
sum can they, who are the guilty cause of all these suflPerings, satisfy jus- 
tice and remunerate the sufferer. This is the past. What are his future 
prospects? Forever blasted by this fatal blow; disqualified to pursue 
the culture of his farm, the occupation in which he delights, and chained 
to that narrow round, which his feeble limbs are able to bear him ; torn 
from the fond embrace of his country which had lavished upon him her 
esteem, only, in proportion to the pledges he had given of future great- 
ness; and fi'nally barred from the possibility of rising to that bright emi- 
nence which was the darling object of his youth, the delight of his riper 

years. 

" Gentlemen, view him well, and then tell me, shall not the ruffians who 
have destroyed him forever, repair, to the full extent of their ability, the 
ruin they have caused? Shall they not, with their fortunes, assist to miti- 
ate his pains, and smooth his passage to the tomb ? „ j, Williams." 

^^Aicards in the several causes — with costs to be taxed against the defend- 
ants in each cause. Jenkins m. Van llensselaer, $2,500 ; Van Rensselaer 
vs. Tayler, §300; The same vs. Cooper, §500; The same vs. Bloodgood, 
S3, 700." 

" The truly noble, warmhearted Honorable Elisha Williams, of 
Hudson, New York, was born August 29, 1773. and died in the city of 
New York, at the residence of his early guardian, Captain Seth Grosvenor, 
June 29, 1833. He was the once famous barrister justly styled the 
Curran of America, the charm of whose eloquence still lingers about the 
Court House in Hudson, and the memory of whose remarkable powers as 
on advocate still serves as an incentive to many a poor student, as he pores 
over the legal lore of IJlackstoue and Chitty. He possessed a mind of 
superior mould, and he combined in his character a rare assemblage of great 
and splctidid qualities; he was a man of rapid and quick perceptions, and 
was remarkable for his imitative, imaginative and descriptive power, for 
his brilliant wit, and his suppassing eloquence. He was exceedingly 
interesting in conversation, warm hearted and ardent in his attachments ; 
and he was liberal, generous and charitable. He was as greatly distin- 
guished for his personal appearance, as he was for his superior intellectual 
powers ; he was above medium size and height, and perfectly erect and 
corpulent. His countenance was indescribably animated and expressive, 
and his general aspect denoted great superiority ; a stranger would be 
forcibly struck with his majestic and dignified appearance, and without 
hearing him speak, would be conscious that he was in the presence of an 
extraordinary man. iMr. Williams had a very extensive practice. He 
possessed a deep, varied and profound knowledge of human nature, which 
enabled him to exert an unbounded influence over a jury; he always 
studied the character of the juries whom he addressed and swayed them 
by his powerful intellect, brilliant wit and matchless eloquence. He com- 
inenced the practice of law at an early age, and rose rapidly to eminence 
in his profession; and as a jury lawyer, he has never had a superior in 
this or any other country." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 183 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Ilud.^on 21st July, 1807. 

On Thursday next Mr Schermerhorn's note at our bank falls due, of 
which I have just received notice, will you iniorm him ot this, so that he 
may prepare accordingly ? 

I have not hoard from or about you since I was at your house. I see 
you and the Governor, however, are in great majesty busy organizing our 
military poet. 

Already the British Lion humbles himself before the Eiujle. you and 
the Governor have unfurled, and one more general order expressing two 
\ or three more '' lively hopes" will make the poor Lion run and yelp like a 
wounded puppy. 

Take good care your Eaijle does not turn out to be an Oul. But to be 
serious, I want to know whether you are wall or not (from that attack in 
April) wlien may I expect you and your wife, whom 1 love almost as much 
as I do my own, here ? 

Pray your Exxdlcncy just drop a body a line or two in answer hereto. 
If you and the Governor, however, are so much engaged in the defence 
of the Nation that you have no time to write, JMrs Van Rensselaer will 
probably be good enough to favor us with an answer. My wife and little 
ones are well. Yours affectionately & sincerely 




Sol. Van Rensselaer, Esq. 

In 1807 Governor Lewis was succeeded by Daniel D. Tompkins; and 
the same year Albany was made the capital of the state. Late in the 
autumn, at the particular request of Governor Tompkins, Solomon Van 
Rensselaer was in New York city, a momber of his own family, to aid 
him in arranging for the defense of the city, but he was still suffering 
from his wounds. 

In August 1807 the first steamboat made its appearance; it was an ob- 
ject of anxiety and wonder. As the Clermont under the immediate 
supervision of Robert Fulton (the eminent inventor of steamboats), was 
slowly coming up the Hudson river from New York on its first success- 
ful trip, a farmer living on the banks of the Hudson, hastened home to 
apprise his wife and neighbors that he had seen the devil goin'g up the 
river in a saw-mill. This apparition of the first steamboat was a marvelous 
phenomenon. When the Indians assembled in groups along the river's 
bank, they looked at the " monster as it moved on the water, defying the 
winds and tide, and breathing flames and smoke, as a fire spirit, which was 
lightning its path by the fires which it vomited. The first steamboat, 
•as others yet do, used dry pine wood for fuel, which sends forth a column 
of ignited vapor, many feet above the flue, and whenever the fire is stirred, 
a galaxy of sparks fly off, which in the night have an airy, brilliant, and 
beautiful appearance. The uncommon light first attracted the attention 
of the crews of other vessels and from them she had a most terrific appear- 
ance. Notwithstanding the wind and tide were adverse to its approach, 



184 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

they saw with astonishment that it was rapidly coming towards them ; and 
when it came so near, that they heard the noi.^e of the machinery and pad- 
dles, the crews, in some instances, shrunk beneath their decks from the 
terrihle si"ht ; others prostrated themselves, and besought Providence to 
protect them from the approach of the horrible monster. Shfe excited the 
astonishment of the venerable Dutch burgomaster who almost dropped his 
precious pipe as with strained eyes he exclaimed Dunder en hlicksem." 

Judge Van Ness to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Hudson, 29th August, 1807. 

1 do not believe it is your fault, so I have nothing more to say than I 
wish you the richest blessings which are bestowed on man. 

Yours &c., W. W. Van Ness. 

But Madam, to you I have much to say, you promised me and my wife 
to be here last week. Day after day have we strained our eyes east, west 
& north in expectation of seeing you approach our humble mansion. 
Disappointment saddened us for sometime, until reiterated again & again 
we are roused into passion & mortification. Your husband I know is 
willing to spend a few days with us. If even you do not wish to favor us 
with a visit, why not indulge him in doing so ? But come my friends, 
let us forget the past and start anew, you are largely in our debt. But I 
release the whole provided, that sometime next week you, and little Van 
Vechten, and as many more of the children as you please are with us. 
Thank God we have room enough & altho' we abound not in wealth, & 
roll not in splendor, we have peace & plenty. To be serious, both Jenny 
iV myself are not a little hurt. If there are any persons on earth whose 
friendship we want, whose society we wish to court. & whose good opinion 
to preserve, it is yours. I have reason to believe this disposition to be 
mutual, let us cherish & perpetuate it. It is possible I shall be obliged 
to go to New York to-morrow. If so you shall hear from me by Tues- 
day's mail. If you do not hear from me then, you of course will conclude 
I am at home. I began the latter part of this scrawl to Mrs. Van. I see 
however it will answer to be directed to the firm. 

Yours affectionately, W. W. Van Ness. 

The foregoing memorial of his Majesty my Lord and Master is sanc- 
tioned by your friend. Jane Van Ness. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjutant General, Albany. 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
I^cair Sir, Claverack ' 30th April 1868. 

Fkueralism has triumphed most gloriously in this Country. We 
have at least GOO majority 200 more than ever we had. If Rensselaer 
County i.s faithful we shall carry both our members of Congress. Hasten 
to communicate this to our friend Abraham Van Vechten [Recorder]. 
Let somebody write us about members of Congress &c. &c., in Rensselaer 
and Washington Counties as soon as possible. I shall soon again be ah-, 
sent from my lumily, it is upon the whole an unpleasant life which my 
office obliges me to lead, but I must endeavour to reconcile myself to it 
as well as I can . Why can't you and your wife take a ride to Claverack 

' Claverack literally signified Clover-reach, so called in its settlement from the 
Unmenae Golds of clover which abounded at this place. 



1 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 185 

and see us ? We are snua;ly situated, would be happy to see you and I 
want to see you about a thousand thiiij^s. Do try ; if you stay but one 
day suppose you start on Saturday. You can spend Sunday with us and 
return if your business drives you on .Monday again. Mention this to 
your wife <)!» come down if possible. It just occurs to me that our friend 
the Recorder [Abraham Van Vechten] and his wife would perhaps accom- 
pany you. Speak to him about it and try to make up a party at all events 
mention me to him with that friendship and esteem which I have for him 
and which I cherish as a great blessing. Make my respects to your wife, 
and please to tell her that I think of her as often as she can wish & that 
I ardently wish her happy & prosperous. 

Yours as I ever shall be, affectionately, W. W. Van Ness. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany, N. Y. 

Oov. Morgan Lewis to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Staatsburgh 2d May 1808. 

I should with pleasure have attended the Trial of your Causes agreeable 
to your wishes, had your Letter reached me in Time to have rendered it 
practicable. I presume however that the abundance of Testimony you 
must have been furnished with, rendered any Thing I could have said 
of little Consequence to you. I have not as yet heard of the Result. If 
they have been tried before an honest Jury, I cannot doubt but you have 
recovered handsome Damages. I am much obliged to you for your 
friendly offers of writing to promote the object hinted at in my former 
letter. But the Idea I have (whether right or wrong is immaterial) of 
my Standing in Society, forbids my being an Applicant for any public 
Situation. Should my future Services be deemed necessary on any Oc- 
casion, the demand of them must be made free from even the Shadow of 
Solicitation or the most distant Elint of a wish on my part. 

How has the Election gone in your Quarter & the Counties adjoining 
you ? In Ulster & Green, Gardinier is probably again elected to Congress ; 
& in this County, Emmott's prospects are better than those of that old 
sinner Johnson. Ulster & Dutchess will return to the Assembly a mixture 
of Quids, Feds and Clintonians. In this County, Robert Williams who 
has turned Tail, made up the Hash, and the Quids literally suffered him 
to gull them. It is asserted among the Clintonians here, that Seldeu of 
Troy is to be your Successor and is to attend Daniel D. on the fourth of 
July when he is to appear in all the pomp of JMilitary splendour. How 
does the Attorney General (John Woodworth) relish his removal, and 
what says his Papa to this Reward of his past Services ? Does the old 
Man with Roman Virtue subscribe to the propriety of such conduct, or 
does he bounce & swear a little? Southwick's Appointment (as Sheriff) 
instead of Dennison, has I presume p^rocured the Clerkship for Cooper, by 
way of Amends for old Tayler's pretended J)isappointment ; and Isaac 
Dennison I suppose has a firm belief that his Uncle played him fair, and 
that there was no Contrivance at all on his part. 

Adieu, I hope soon to take you by the Hand, tho' I doubt whether it 
will be before you have regained the Post of Honor, by a reduction to the 
rank of a private Citizen. Mrs. Lewis desires to be affectionately remem- 
bered by all the Inhabitants of Cherry Hill, y n • a su <s * 

M. Lewis, 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjt. General, Albany, N. Y. 

24 



186 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Maior General Morgan Lewis was a true patriot and labored earnestly 
to advance the best interests of his country. In 1777 he was deputy 
ouartcr master general, was present at the battle of Stillwater on Septem- 
ber 19th. When he returned from the field, being questioned by General 
Gates he reported the undecisive progress of the action ; at which Gen. 
Arnold who was standing near, exclaimed, " 1 unll soonjmt an end to it," 
and clappin" spurs to his horse, galloped off at full speed ; Colonel Lewis 
immediately^ observed to General Gates : " You had better order^him back, 
the action is going well, he may by some rash act do mischief." 

Governor Lewis to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
pgjjj. pij. Staatsburgh, 4th Sept., 1808. 

I should have given an earlier Answer to your polite favor of the 31st 
Ult". had, I not been absent from Home when it reached my House. 

The Decision of the Arbitrators does not Surprise me. It requires 
Men of great firmness of Mind to do complete Justice on Such an Oc- 
casion. 

They certainly have been guided by no Rule, and must have forgotten 
that Tayler was an original offender, and attacked with a Club, while 
Cooper only acted as aq Aid, and used the weapons which Nature gave him. 

I should be sorry to think that Tayler's being President of the Bank 

produced any Effect, and yet I Suspect it will be thought so by many. 

When shall we have the Pleasure of seeing you and Mrs. Rensselaer at 

this Place ? Your friend & ^ervant. 

TT T. 1 *j- i. n 1 Alu Morgan Lewis. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Adjut. General, Albany, 

In those good,- palmy old days, sixty-seven years ago, many persons were 
then " lachrymosely bewailing the existing state of things." 

" If we all'could unite with the Puritan mystic (Peter Sterry) doctrines : 
Let all that differ in principles, proi'essions or opinions, and forms, join to 
fcee that good which is in each other, and the evil in themselves," there 
would be a steady improvement, and a better state of things. We then 
might hope with a certainty that the very times on which we have fallen, 
* old times' to those who come after, will be even clothed with the mar- 
velously roseate hues we love to invest our by-gone years. 

Gen. Wilkinson to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Washington, Sept. 14th, 1808. 

1 have this moment received your lettter of the 6th Jany. & will reply 
by a single line. I had anticipated your wishes & had also nominated 
Visschcr. If we have an army & I have influence he shall have a 
Majority. 15ut at this moment, I am struggling against a torrent 
of Slander & Calumny, exceeding everything which has past, having dis- 
graced John Randolph for a Coward & being about to report Daniel 
Clark as an accomplice of Aaron Burr, the one to gratify his resentment 
& the other to avenge the disappointment of the Conspirators, have as- 
sailed my Honor with made up documents, perjuries, & forgeries, and on 
the floor of Congress where privilege sometimes sanctions the most vil- 
lainou.H abuse, they have worried & torn & mangled my Honor, without 
feeling or conscience. Yet let not my friends be appalled. I thank high 
Heaven I shall be able to vindicate my Fame, & save my Brethren in 
Arui.s from Blushing for my shame. In the first moment of Randolph's 
Anathema I demanded a Court of Inquiry into my Conduct, which was 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 187 

ordered for the 10th Inst., & will actually convene to-morrow, when I 
shall offer a preliminary address which will make my Enemies stare, in 
the meantime say from me that Clark is the author of this attack, which 
was digested in New Orleans lust Summer, by the Associates of Burr & 
the Mexican combination, who will seek my ruin as lon<; as they are per- 
mitted to hang togetlier. He came round &, brought with Ilim the 
villainous power to Swear for Hurr at llichmoud, they arrived there got 
alarmed <fc after several conferences with Burr, Clark went off without 
appearing before the Court. I will prove Him an accomplice of Burr 
that He tampered with an officer of the army to induce Him to attack & 
take Baton Rouge in the summer 180G, which by producing hostilities 
would have effected Burr's plans. This villain has perjured him.self to 
destroy me, but it will not do. I am sorry that your relative here 
[Killian K. Van Rensselaer, M. C] & Mr. Barent Gardenier should have 
espoused the part of Randolph & this Scoundrel Clark before they knew 
what I had to say. My best regards to Visscher. 

, ^r r» ^ j^ Your friend most truly, 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., j^ Wilkinson 

Adjt. General State of New York, Albany. 

Oovernoi' Lewis to Solomon Vein Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Staatsburgh March 2, 1S09. 

1 shall have some Pear grafts put up for you and will send them by the 
first safe conveyance that offers. I hope they will succeed better with 
you than they do with me. A disease, which I cannot find a remedy for, 
is destroying them as fast as I can replace them, and I fear will oblige me 
eventually to give them up. 

It certainly would give me great pleasure to be instrumental in the 
gratification of your wishes as to the regiment of Cavalry ; and nothing 
shall be wanting on my part to effect that object, which can be done with 
the least prospect of success. I have already adopted the Measure which 
appears to me the most likely to succeed, but I cannot for certain reasons, 
acquaint you with it, until the issue shall be known. From what quarter 
Mayor Backus' recommendations proceed I am ignorant, but I under- 
stand he is considered at Washington as an able officer. Has he ever 
been in Service? I do not believe you will be gratified in seeing me in 
the Situation you wish, there are many Circumstances which will operate 
as a Bar to it. If I mistake not, an arrangement is about to take place, 
which is not suspected by many, and which will leave little room for 
those who are not already in Employment. We shall not be able to com- 
ply with our Engagement of paying a Visit this winter to our friends in 
Albany. We have with us our two eldest Boys, whose education employs 
all our time and furnishes sufficient inducements for us to stxy at home. 
Our "friends therefore must excuse us, and accept in lieu of a personal 
Attendance our best respects, with which are united our best Wishes for 
the happiness of you and yours Federal Majorities will probably be ob- 
tained at next election in Dutchess & Ulster, all due to De Witt Clinton. 
With Sincerity I am your friend and Servt. 

Sol. VanjRensselaer, Esq., Adjt. General. Morgan Lewis. 

General Van Rensselaer to the Pvblic. 

" Albany, Tuesday, March 28, 1809. 
" My recent removal from the honorable office of Adjutant General of 
this state, constrains me, in justice to myself, my family, and friends, 



188 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

to puMi«h a concise and plain statement of facts : After having been for 
seventeen years in the military service of the United States and of this 
ftate and as 1 trust, having discharged my duty with fidelity, it has been 
the pleasure of his Excellency Governor Tompkins and the Council of 
Appointment, to remove me from office, notwithstanding his repeated 
declarations of unqualified approbation of my official conduct. At the 
age of eighteen years, I was appointed a Cornet in the squadron of cavalry 
in the army commanded by Major General Anthony Wayne. At twenty, 
I was promoted to the command of a troop. In the action of 20th August, 
171*4 after the commanding officer of that corps fell, the command de- 
vofve'd on me. How I acquitted myself, the dispatches from Gen. Wayne 
to the war department bear ample testimony. [" The wounds received by 
Captain Van Rensselaer of the dragoons and others of the mounted vol- 
unteers bear honorable testimony of their bravery and conduct. But 
whilst I pay just tribute to the living, I mnst not neglect the gallant 
dead, amons whom we have to lament the early death of those worthy 
and brave oiBBcers Capt. Robert Ms. Campbell of the dragoons and Lieut. 
Towels of the Infantry of the legion, who fell in the first charge."] On 
that occasion, I received a wound through my lungs, which was con- 
sidered, at first, by the surgeons of the army, to be mortal, but which my 
youth and strong constitution surmounted. When the conduct of France 
towards this country made it necessary for the general government to 
augment the army, and when the Father of his country, the immortal 
Washington, was again called upon to place himself at its head, he sent 
for me, and, in the presence of Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, ques- 
tioned me about the state of my wound, and soon after I was appointed a 
Major of Cavalry. When the army was reduced, I received, under the 
administration of that great and good man Governor Jay, the appoint- 
ment of Adjutant-General of the militia of this state. When Mr. Jay 
was succeeded by Governor George Clinton, and when almost every fede- 
ralist was swept from office by that council, of which DeWitt Clinton, and 
the Honorable Judge Ambrose Spencer were members, I was left undis- 
turbed. This did not arise from any solicitation on my part, but from 
the honorable resistance of Governor Clinton against my I'emoval, who 
informed me that a petition for that purpose had been put into the hands 
of John C. Hogeboom, then a member of the council. I called on Mr. 
Hogeboom, and after communicating to him the information I had re- 
ceived, and the channel through which it came, he unhesitatingly shewed 
me the petition. The charge against me was, the heinous crime of fede- 
ralism. I am thus explicit in mentioning names, that my enemies may 
have an opportunity of contradicting my statement, if it is incorrect. 
When Governor Clinton retired from office, he recommended me in strong 
terms to his successor, as he told me at the time, and which Governor 
Lewis afterwards confirmed. How I stood with the latter gentleman, it 
ia unnecessary for me to state. I have only to regret, that his honorable 
and impartial conduct as the governor of the state and not of a party, 
wa.s one cause of his failing of a re-election. He would not submit to 
be made the supple tool of UeWitt Clinton and Ambrose Spencer, and 
they therefore selected his successor [Daniel D. Tompkins], hoping that 
he would be a fitter instrument to promote their unhallowed ambition. 
How far that hope has been realized, the community can determine. 
Last winter, when it was notorious that there were many applications for 
my office, and when it was generally supposed that my removal was cer- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 189 

tain, I called on Governor Tompkins, to know whether it was the inten- 
tion of the council to remove me, and I informed him that the reason of 
my inquiry was, because my private arranp;ements depended on a 
knowledge of that fact. His reply was, that he had no wish to make a 
chanj^e, for he was perfectly satisfied with my conduct, and had expressed 
himself so to some of my friends ; but that 1 had better speak to some of 
the members of the council. My answer was, that 1 had never asked any 
member of the council to continue me in office, and that I never would — 
that if /('' did not wish for a chancre, the council had no right to inter- 
fere — that the business of my office was not with Oiem, but with him. 
He then observed, that if that unfortunate afiray (meaning my suits 
against three cowardly wretches) was settled, there would be no difficulty. 
My reply was, that if my continuance in office depended on a compromise 
of these suits, it would be better to remove me at once, for that I was de- 
termined to bring the circumstances of that affray fairly before the 
public ; and I pressed him to know the determination of the Council. 
This application I repeated on a subsequent day, as I apprehended my 
removal might lay over until after the determination of the suits before 
mentioned. He told me that if I requested it, he would urge the deci- 
sion of the Council. A day or two afterwards I called on him again, and 
he then informed me, that the Council had no intention of removing me 
at their then session, but what they would do at their meeting in June, 
they declined saying. 1 mentioned to Governor Tompkins that I under- 
stood the thing perfectly, and that under such circumstances, I should 
not let my farm, which I intended to do, if I remained in office. He 
observed in answer, ' I don't know but it is best.' 

" On Tuesday of last week I called on the Governor upon business ; after 
finishing it, and as I was about to leave the room, he called me back, and 
told me that my removal had been agitated in the Council the day before, 
that he had put it off" until he could see me, on account of the promise he 
made me last winter, to give me notice whenever such an event was re- 
solved upon ; and that he believed it would now be accomplished, as a 
member of the Council had pressed it. I observed to the Governor, that I 
was much obliged to him for his information, but that I had nothing to say 
on the subject, except I requested of him, that if there were any charges 
against me, he would give me an opportunity of meeting and repelling 
them ; to which he answered, tJiat there were no charijea (Kjitlmt me, and 
that he was satisfied that none could be l>rou(/ht at/ainst mij official conduct ; 
that my removal would be on account of my politics and the affray. I 
have now a word or two to say about a trio of precious spirits, to whose 
dastardly malice and persecuting villainy, I have, in all prubability, fallen 
a sacrifice. 

" The first in order, as in the attack on me, is John Tayler, a grave 
Senator of this state. I had supposed that his vindictive spirit had been 
fully glutted, by seeing me at death's door, in consequence of the joint 
and cowardly attack made upon me by himsq^f and his assassin-like asso- 
ciates, Bloodgood and Cooper, in the ruin of my health, and, perhaps my 
future prospects in life ; and that he would not, still further to gratify his 
malice, have connived at, and encouraged the taking of bread from a much 
injured and unoffending family. If he panted to revenjie to a still more 
savage extent the merited chastisement which I inflicted on Mr. Jenkins 
(and of which the same John Tayler was the cause, by urging and advo- 
cating the base slander against me which produced it, and which he knew 



190 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

at the time to be false) why did he not call on me like a man of honor? 
I had hoped.- that the alarm which he felt during my hopeless illness, oc- 
ca.«it>ned by the wounds and bruises which he and his coadjutors had in- 
flicted upon me that the remorse he felt, (if he is capable of feeling) for 
the death of the most enlightened citizen of this state, [Gen. Alexander 
Hamilton] of which he, as I verily believe, was the occasion, by a base 
disclosure of a confidential conversation, would have secured me against 
the further effects of his boundless malignity. 

" As for Francis Bloodgood, the clerk of the Supreme. Court, no lan- 
guage is strong enough to express my abhorrence of him, or convey an 
adequate idea of his dark, malignant, cowardly, assassin-like villainy. 
His very looks are an index of the malignity of his heart; he is a disgrace 
to human nature ; and I derive some consolation from the reflection, that 
he has incurred what he deserves, the detestation of every liberal and 
honorable man. 

" My resentment against Charles D. Cooper, is not great. He is too con- 
temptible to excite my indignation. From this humble dependent on 
Tayler's bounty, who is looking with anxious eyes for the period when 
he will succeed to the greatest share of his property, little else than what 
has happened could be expected. 

" H' tins language is deemed harsh and grating, let it be recollected, that 
the persons to whom it relates cannot be justly represented in any other. 
It is not in my nature to glory over a fallen and disgraced enemy. I can 
therefore say nothing more about Mr. Jenkins, the Secretary of State, 
than that I equally pity and despke him. , g^^ ^^^ Rensselaer." 

*' In one respect he was even victorious, for he challenged his opponents 
upon an issue which they could only meet by evasion and artifice. If 
either of the political parties would claim no more for themselves than they 
are willing to give, the right of being free and independent, and not be 
enslaved by a majority, it would be far better for the nation." We love 
to study the letters of ancient times; we see men and things at their full 
length, and wo generally see them through a medium which is less partial, 
when presented in history, than that of experience. We see the system 
of politics on the sure and false foundations and human nature in many 
garbs, but we collect i:;eneral principles and view certain rules of conduct 
with an unbiased judgment. • 

Solomon Van Rensselaer to William Simmons. 
Dear Sir, Albany, January 28th, 1811. 

The Attorney of the United States for this District of New York, 
having presented an account against me for monev due to the United 
States, it becomes necessary that I should know what balance, if any, is 
found against me, and with that view I transmit my account and beg you 
to fill up the blanks, which can be ascertained from the Books in your 
office. If I mistake not, in t^at Examination it will be found, that there 
is pay, forage and subsistence due me as Major of Cavalry, besides two 
months Pay, &c., allowed by Law as a gratuity to the disbanded officers 
of th'! Army. The vouchers for the expense of moving my Troop from 
Fort Wa-shington to Kuoxville, I left with Col. Ilodgeden on my return 
from the latter place in October, 1797. 

The reason why I did not settle with him then was, that the army papers 
for that year had not come on. The papers marked No. 1 & 2 are copies 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 191 

of those receipts, taken by one of his clerks, duplicates of vrhich I have 
in my possession & will forward them if necessary, whenever a private 
occasion ofl'ers, which cannot be done conveniently by the mail, as well 
as those of my Expenditures i'or the Recruiting service, agreeable to 
Statement No. 3. I regret sincerely that the distance is too great for me 
to attend in person to this business, and that the same reason has pre- 
vented me heretofore, but 1 am induced to believe from your former 
friendly conduct and the Statement of my accounts, that there will be no 
diflBculty in striking the Balance. As Mr. San ford the District Attorney 
is now here, [Nathan Sanford,] a member of the Legislature, a convenient 
opportunity of settling with him, 1 must beg the favor of an early answer 
from you. 1 am very Respectfully your Obt. Sert., 

William Simmons, Esqr. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Accountant of the War Department, Washington. 

Hon. John P. Van Ness to Jvdge Van Ness. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Feb. 16, 1811. 

Yours of the 28th Ult. accompanying the papers in the case of Adjt, 
Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer were all handed to me by Mr. Knicker- 
backer [Herman Knickerbacker] some days ago. I immediately called 
on the Accountant of the War ])epartnient, with them, for the purpose 
of an investigation &c. He proposed that the papers should be loft with 
him for a few days for examination &c. I replied that as the case appeared 
a simple one, perhaps we might conveniently dispatch it immediately; 
but being informed, by him, that the other was the usual course ; and 
that, in addition, he was then engaged in other business, I left him in pos- 
session of the papers, under a promise that he would soon communicate 
with me. He appeared friendly ; and at the same time expressed a regret 
that Mr. V. R. had not taken the advice which he (the Accountant) had 
repeatedly given him heretofore, to have his account settled &c. A few 
days afterwards the papers were sent by him to my house, with informa- 
tion referring me to the Controller's office. I called there with Mr. 
Knickerbacker yesterday. The Controller deferred them back again to 
the Accountant's office. We left them there. Last Evening Mr. Sim- 
mons informed me generally that he had examined the account &c. ; and 
that if he received the papers which it appeared Mr. V. R. has in his 
possession (and for which he had yesterday written to him) there 
would be a mere trifle, say 20 or ^30 only due from him instead 
of the present stated amount. He promises me to pay every attention to 
the subject, and I shall not fail to remind him of it, if it should be ne- 
cessary. I think the business in a good train. It has given me pleasure 
to have an opportunity of co-operatiug with yourself and the Adjutant 
General in endeavoring to arrange satisfactorily an aflair which if not 
attended to, may become troublesome and injurious to him. And be 
assured I shall attend to any further commands you may favor me with, 
in the same temper. I thank you kindly for the ofier you make me, which 
I only reciprocate. 

The present is a very interesting crisis in our political affairs, and it is 
becoming more so, as the Session of Congress is drawing to a close. The 
present state of foreign news is by no means satisfactory and it is not be- 
lieved that our government has, as yet, sufficient authentic data of that 
kind on which to form a?(y system in relation to foreign affairs. The Idea 
of an extra session is gaining ground. The Bank question is laboring 



192 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

very hard in the Senate. Its fate there is admitted, on all hands, to be 
very doubtful. There are one or two Mutes in that house, on the subject, 
whose Hfvsrs (strange as it may seem) cannot be found by the calculators, 
in consequence of the loss of their tongues. Upon the whole taking into 
view both houses, the advanced period of the session, and the accumulated 
mass ot business, I think tico to one, against the Bank, a fair calculation. 

1 hud no idea that my brother [William P. Van Ness] had the Secre- 
tary's office in view, if indeed he had any. I have not had a line from 
him since he left New York. There appears to be a flood tide again in 
the political affairs of a part of your state that was lately ebbing ; and it 
seems, the Bark drives on with a prosperous gale. Does the storm lately 
o-athered in the City of N. York, menace with its thunders the northern 
and interior parts o'f the State ? By all accounts Cornelius [Cornelius P. 
Van Ness] is very successful in both business and consequence in Ver- 
mont. It gives me great pleasure. Mj/ Mrs. V. Ness begs to be kindly 
remembered to i/our Mrs. V. Ness. Yours very sincerely, 

John P. Van Ness. 

lion. Wm. W. Van Ness Esqr., State of New York, Albany. 

Gen. Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington^ March 13, 1811. 

Yours of the 26th Ult., reached me in course. I was extremely sorry 
to hear of your Indisposition and hope by this time you are restored. 
Your account of the War Department is, as Mr. Simmons informed me he 
would advise you, finally closed. The balance against you S24 or 25. 
Simmons sent the Account up to the Comptroller, with whom I am well 
acquainted, and with whom I have had two or three conversations relative 
to your business. He will forward to the District Attorney instructions 
conformable to your wishes. Were the case my own, I would, as you 
doubtless will, immediately pay the trifle remaining due. I believe your 
wishes have been fully met in the wliole arrangement. I am extremely 
happy to have had it in my power to give you a little aid in this business ; 
but. Sir, my services have been trifling, as the case required no more ; and 
thr^ have much less claim to the polite acknowledgments you are so good 
as to make me, than my good wishes have. 

Should any other case occur in which I can serve you, be assured of 
my disposition to do so, and believe me with consideration 

Your obedt & hble Servant, 

Adjt. Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer. John P. Van Ness. 

" John P. Van Ness was a cousin of the noble hearted and truly 
brilliant William W. Van Ness. He was born in Claverack,in the county 
of Columbi;i in the year 1770, and died at the city of Washington, March, 
184(3, at the age of seventy-six years. He was educated at Columbia 
College, in the city of New York, and studied law in that city, in the 
office of Brockholdst Livingston. At the age of about twenty-two he 
commenced the practice of law in Columbia county. 

" In the year 1801, he was elected to congress from the district com- 
posed of the counties of Columbia and Rensselaer. In 1802 he was 
married to a very interesting, accomplished and wealthy lady of the city 
of Washington, and as her fortune consisted principally of real estate in 
that city, he fixed his residence there until his death. He was appointed 
by President Jefi'erson, brigadier general of the militia of the district of 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 193 

Columbia, and was afterwards promoted by President Madison to the rank 
of major j^eueral, which office he held for many years. He was for 
several successive years elected mayor of the city of Washington, when 
he declined a reelection. Through his influence the Bank of the Metro- 
polis in the city Washington was established; he was the first president 
of that institution, and remained so until the time of his death. 

" He possessed a high order of talents, and was a man of great personal 
influence. For the last forty years of his life he was extensively known 
and celebrated for his liberality and hospitality, many of the churches, 
and the temperance hall in the city of Washington, was erected on 
grounds given by him for that purpose. During his long residence in that 
city he had formed numerous acquaintances. Few men had more devoted 
friends, and his death was greatly deplored by the people of the American 
capital, his friends and his country. 

" The Van Ness family, viz : John P. Van Ness, William P. Van Ness, 
and Cornelius P. Van Ness, is one of the most distinguished and talented 
families in this country, and are sons of Peter Van Ness. Willian P. 
Van Ness was the second to Aaron Burr in his fatal duel with General 
Hamilton. He was a man of transcendent talents; he died of apoplexy 
in New York on September 6, 1826." 

Albany, July 2, 1812, Died. " This morning Brigadier G-eneral Peter 
Gansevoort of the United States Army, after a very distressing illness of 
several months, aged 62 years, 11 mos. 16 days. 

General Orders. 

Head Quarters, New York, July 6, 1812, 
The General announces to the troops in the City and harbor of New 
York, the death of Brigadier General Gansevoortat Albany on the 2d instant. 
In testimony of respect to the defender of Fort Schuyler in 1777 of an 
officer of intelligence, bravery and distinguished military merit during the 
revolutionary war, the colors will be hoisted half staflF high for the day, 
and the officers wear the usual badge of mourning for 1 month. 

By order. 
R. H. MacPherson, Aid-de-Camp. 

Colonel Peter Gansevoort commanded Fort Stanwix during its me- 
morable seige, and conducted its defense with a vigor and success which 
crowned his name with distinguished honor, and for which he received a 
special vote of thanks from congress. In 1809, he received the commis- 
sion of brigadier-general in the army of the United States. 

He was a man of noble presence, and fearless and magnanimous spirit ; 
of undaunted courage, and inflexible integrity. His public life was with- 
out a blot, while his private character was of unimpeachable morality, and 
Bhowed»distinctly the influence of Christian principle. General Ganse- 
voort was with Gen, Montgomery in his attack on Canada in 1775, in one 
of the early letters, mention is made of his illness when at Isle Aux Noix. 



25 



194 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER IX. 
Declaration of War in 1812. 

Upon the declaration of war, in 1812, by the United States against 
Great Britain, " Major Gen. Henry Dearborn had in February, been 
placed in the command of the northern frontier, with views to the inva- 
sion of Canada. Lake Champlain presented the great military highway 
to the centre of the enemy's province, and the American settlements at 
the foot of that lake were remote and exposed ; the general therefore 
judiciously determined to take his first position with the regular recruits 
in that quarter." In the progress of the campaign, the western frontier 
of the state of New York was in danger; and in defect of regular troops, 
a requisition having been made by the general government, for a body of 
New York militia, it was the pleasure of Gov. Tompkins to appoint 
General SxEPritN Van Kensselaer to take command of the forces, 
which t-hould be raised for the defiense of the northern and western front- 
iers of this state, in answer to that requisition. 

Gen. Stephen Van Kensselaer, as also the adjutant general, Colonel 
Solomon Van Kensselaer, were greatly opposed to the policy of the war, 
and both difl'ered in politics from Governor Tompkins. General Stephen 
Van Rensselaer and Gov. Tompkins were rival candidates for the govern- 
ment of the state. When General Van Rensselaer was selected to com- 
mand the troops, it was considered by every one as rather an ambiguous 
compliment ; and it was fully supposed that under existing circumstances 
he would refuse it, and thus injure his popularity, but for once the inter- 
ested intriguers were baffled. When the noble man saw his country in 
danger, with true, elevated patriotism, all minor considerations were im- 
mediately laid aside, and he promptly responded to the summons. 

At the sulicitation of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, my father took 
a position on his staif and joined the army for the frontier. " That officer 
entered upon his command on the 13th of July, 1812, having done me 
the honor to request my services as his aid. I was anxious to serve my 
country in the contest in which she was engaged, and I did not hesitate, 
therefore, to take the situation thus offered me." The benefits of that 
war have not yet been fully realized but are beginning to be seen. It 
taught the world whether on sea or land, American arms were invincible. 
Tlie bravery displayed in that war commanded the respect and admiration 
of the world. It taught England that the country whose freedom and 
free institutions were born in blood, would not shrink from b^tizing 
them in the same element, 

" Government asked for the soldier's blood, it was freely given. It told 
the patriot to sever all the domestic ties, he cut them asunder at its bid- 
ding. It told him to take the last look of his children, and away to the 
tented field. He looked, ofiered one prayer for their safety, and turned 
his back on his home. Such sacrifices demand consideration and remu- 
neration. Tlio.-c \eteraus served their country in her weakness, she 
should remember them in her strength and glory. That struggle defended 
our honor at home and gave us a lustrous name abroad. It developed 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings 195 

the prowess of American arms us a whole and furnished some of the most 
striking instances of individual bravery, the world ever saw. A truly 
brilliant catalogue of names was added to the world's list of heroes. 
Many who served in the first struggle for independence, capped the climax 
of their glory in the war of 1812." 

Albany, July 13, 1812, General Van Rens.«elaer and suite set off this 
morning for Niagara, where a large body of troops are now assembling, 
but whether for offensive or defensive measures we are not able to say. 
They are principally volunteers and militia. 

Herkimer, July 16. On Tuesday last Major Gen. Van Rens.selaer, his 
aid and private secretary passed through this village on their way to 
Niagara. We understand he is to take command of all the forces on the 
frontiers. The citizens of this village being apprized the preceding day 
of his approach came to the determination of escorting him into town. 
Accordingly about twelve o'clock a number of citizens accompanied by 
several otiScers of merit, formed a cavalcade under the direction of Captain 
Myers as marshall of the day, and moved on the village of Little Falls, 
where they were joined by a number of gentlemen from that village 
who were desirous of showing this meritorious officer the intended tribute 
of respect. The cavalcade then proceeded about three miles below the 
Falls where Gen. Van Rensselaer was received by them in a most cordial 
manner. They then moved back to the Falls, where the company partook 
of an escellent^diuner provided in a sumptuous manner by Major Morgan. 
After the cloth was removed a number of appropriate toasts were drank 
all breathing the true spirit of American liberty, that spirit which ani- 
mated the breasts of our fore-fathers in the glorious struggle of seventy-six. 

The general was then escorted to the village by the cavalcade, who 
observed the utmost regularity where he was received with expressions 
of joy, and his arrival announced by a federal salute from the artillery. 

The following are a few specimens of the toasts at the dinner. By 
Gen. Van Rensselaer. The Citizens of Herkimer. May their patriotism 
in the present struggle of our country, equal their valor in the revolu- 
tionary war. 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer. A speedy and glorious termination of the 
present war. 

Mr. Lovett. The example of our fathers. Trusting in God they 
achieved our independence ; following their example, we may preserve 
the inheritance. 

After a short tarry, the general proceeded on his way, and thenceforth 
his name was identified with the military glory of his country. A mere 
narration of facts within my knowledge would not be sufficiently interest- 
ing; something might be written of the incidents and romance of history, 
as connected with this campaign, calculated both to instruct and amuse; 
for the recorded events will never pass into oblivion, though they have 
been but summarily despatched. There are many transactions, many ex- 
citing incidents relating to the war of 1812, which are more than fancy 
sketches, yet have to the present time remained unwritten. There were 
many divisions and heart-burnings, throughout the political masses, 
which culminated into bitterness of feeling and alienation, on the part of 
the initiated few, and now the selection of Gen. Van Rensselaer, " consider- 
ing the adverse state of his political relations to Governor Tompkins, was 
deemed an equivocal act on the part of the commander in chief of New 
York. Although the situation of Gen. V. R. was exceedingly embarrass- 



J96 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ing, yet lie had one on his staff who had signalized himself by his undaunted 

bravery." , /. • 

" Hon. John Lovett, of facetious memory, was a lawyer, a man of genius, 
and possessed great versatility of talent. He frequently wrote fugitive 
pieces of poetry full of wit and keen satire; he always had at command a 
great variety of anecdotes, ready for use, whatever might be the subject of 
conversation. He was remarkably pleasant, and his sparkling wit and 
flashes of merriment would set the table in a roar. Although possessed of 
fine talents, he never relished the dry study of law; skillful in the manage- 
ment of a cause before a jury, he never excelled in the argument of a ques- 
tion of law, and did not obtain that distinction as a counselor, which was 
in his power, by applying himself more closely to judicial studies. One 
of the errors of his life was a passion for change of employment, not often 
the road to distinction or success. 

"In the war of 1812 he accompanied Generals Stephen and Solomon 
Van Rensselaer to Niagara, as secretary of the former, and honorably ac- 
quited himself in that campaign. When invited by Gen. Van Rensselaer 
to become his military aid and secretary Mr. Lovett said, ' I am not a 
soldier,' the answer, ' It is not your sword, but your pen that I want,' de- 
cided the point. He afterwards represented the county of Albany in con- 
gress with much reputation. He purchased a tract of land on the Mau- 
mee, and commenced a settlement which he named Perrysburg, in honor 
of the gallant hero of Lake Erie. He died of the prevailing fever of the 
country at Fort Meigs in Ohio, in August 1818 aged fifty-two years." 
The following letter is descriptive of the journey from Albany. 

John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 

My dear Sir, Ogdensburgh July 20, 1812. 

If flying through air, water, mud, brush, over hills, dales, meadows, 
swamps : on wheels or horseback, and getting a man's ears gnawed off 
with musquitoes and gallinippers make a Soldier, then have I seen service 
for — one week. I certainly intended before now to have written you, 
but I assure you I have very little leisure, and I think you will soon be 
convinced of it : Let our tracks speak for themselves. It was about 11 
oclock before Gov. Tompkins gave us our orders, the next evening we 
were at Utica; having fought our way again and again through Cavalry, 
Artillery &c. The hearty and cordial respect paid to our General every- 
where, is really pleasing. As we approached the Little Falls, we were 
met by a grand Troop, Carriages etc. At the Inn a superb Band saluted 
the General and played delightfully, while a very large company sat with 
us at an elegant Dinner. The escort proceeded with us to Herkimer ; 
then a Salute was fired as we entered the Town, and a thousand compli- 
ments &c. &c. Before we got to Utica the street was thronged with 
Patriots: Genl. Piatt's Cards for Dinner the next day &c. Poor souls; 
they did not know that We were a/zf Soldiers ! ! Utica was full of dread- 
ful News. Sackctts Harbor was blockaded. The Oneida dismantled, her 
Guns landed, and much more of the same sort: All believed it. Our 
General, therefore, thought it his duty to abandon his route to Niagara 
and vi.sit Sackctts Harbor : so away we flew, and found all we had heard 
wa.s false. Could I sec you, I might talk much ; but I shall ^vri(e little 
of Sackctts Harbor. Thore are about 200 Militia at the harbor, not a 
word of them. The Oneida was there still. Woolsey invited our General 
on board, the yards were manned in the twinkling of an eye, three cheers 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 197 

from a truly hearty Crew, then " Starboard, Fire," " Port, Fire," " Star- 
board, Fire," " Port, Fire," and so on, about as fast as you will read it; 
until all was blue. Then the Crew were exercised in all possible shapes. 
Truly, truly in style ; but this another time for I see I shall soon be 
called oflF. Now will not your heart ache when I tell you that this Brig 
can be liurnt at any hour the British choose to do it. They have the 
Koyal George of superior force, the Earl Maria 14 Guns, Prince Regent 
10 or 12 Guns and one more, Duke of Gloucester. Woolsey is trying to 
mount a 32 pounder in a Schooner, and 6-9 pounders on board a sloop ; 
both vessels now lying in the harbor. 

Woolsey is also with the assistance of the Militia, erecting a small Bat- 
tery on the harbor to secure, if possible, the retreat of the Oneida if hard 
pressed by superior force. Can you conceive how important Lake Ontario 
and the St. Lawrence are to us? if so, pray answer me ; Why have wo 
not 10 Gun Boats there. That force, at present, would answer us. Sackett 
Adieu. Sad tidings from the County of St Ijawrence ; the Inhabitants 
are panic struck, and flying off in shoals? To quiet them, to give them 
confidence and constancy to keep their homes, secure their crops, &c. &c. 
our General deemed an object worthy his attention. Therefore down we 
came to VVatertown and on to this place about 80 miles of the most horrid 
road I ever saw, in a great part of it, two miles an hour is quick riding. 
The Inhabitants have fled like foolish children, from just such danger, 
and no greater, as our General was in all day yesterday. Now after we 
have put all right here, we shall return to Sackett's Efarbor, and if no 
bones are broken, we shall then go on to Oswego, and from thence to Niag- 
ara, where in about two weeks I hope to lie like a Soldier on my own 
Blankets free from the infernal bugs which have already gnawed away 
ten per cent of my whole frame, legs inclusive. When I get encamped I 
will write you ; at present I can only sketch. 

All I shall here say of my General is, that Albany may justly be proud 
that she has such a citizen. Solomon was born for war. We all travel 
as harmoniously as heart can wish; and you may depend on it we have 
enough to do, go where we will. On the Frontiers, our General is hailed, 
almost as a new Washington. * * * 

I told you 1 should not give up first, I told you true, I have perfect 
health; and as much activity as is necessary; I believe, I might say, as 
almost any man of my age. I shall say a word of this place after I have 
looked about a litfle : this is only bringing up my journal a little. I have 
nothing to say of the War; only when the whole truth shall be told, and 
understood, heaven and earth must stand amazed. Write nie the news, 
and direct to Niagara. Heaven only knows how or when I shall return. 
I feel perfectly warranted in saying that, it was altogether desirable that 
I should come along. I see and hear many things and shall try to remem- 
ber some. I write in such haste that I i'ear you will not be able to read. 
As to my little Flock, do step up and cheer them : I trust they will not 
suffer lor any thing. My Horse is just what I expected, and he who trav- 
els with me, must ride a good horse or not keep up. I have not rubbed 
a hair off him in all this heat aud dreadful rains. 22d. I have looked 
much about here to satisfy me that Ogdensburgh is one of the most charm- 
ingly situated places in the world. Fancy could hardly mend it, and the 
People are equal to the place, Driving, Cards, Tea I'arties and all in ele- 
gant style. Glorious times for Soldiers. Good night. 
To Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. 



198 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, 

Solomon Van Rensselaer to 7iU Wife. 

My dear Harriet, Ogdensburgh, July 22, 1812. 

This ni'-ht I shall be engaged in a most desperate enterprise, to board 
a British armed vessel lying in the St. Lawrence off this Harbor. I have 
only Militia to accompany me on this important service ; of course I shall 
be compelled to expose myself in a high degree as an example to them to 
do their duty. I v^ill succeed or fall. If the latter, let me beg of you to 
meet the event with fortitude, and do not unnecessarily repine at my loss. 
Kiss Adeline, Elizabeth, Matilda and our dear little Margaretta for me. 
Rensselaer I presume is before this at school in Middletown, Conn., where 
the Putroun will keep him. When you see Rensselaer give him a kiss for 
me, and tell him to be a good boy, and attend to his studies, but where is 
our dear little Van Vechten? in Heaven I hope, where sooner or later I 
trust we all will join him. I have written to the Patroon and Abraham 
Van Vechten about you and the family, and likewise about my back pay, 
which I presume can be got for you. The Certificates of the Surgeons of 
Wayne's Army are to be found among my papers, and they will attend to 
them. I have much more to say to you, but time is pressing hard on 
me. I must again repeat how anxious and interested, I feel on your and 
our dear little ones' account. Give them an aiFectionate embrace for me, 
and think kindly of me as you ever did, for you possess my warmest affec- 
tions. Forget the past and believe me to be your affectionate and unalter- 
able friend and ifusband. Adieu. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Harriot A^an Rensselaer, Mount Hope, Albany. 

Upon reaching Ogdensburgh, information having been obtained which 
induced a belief, that a descent was meditated upon that place, temporary 
breastworks uf cordwood, &c., were hastily thrown up, and two old guns 
mounted to repel it. The belief was confirmed while the work was in 
progress, by the appearance of two vessels of war which sailed out of the 
lake and came to at the wharf opposite the village. It was supposed that 
Buch palpable indications of being greeted with a warm reception, were 
the reasons why the intention was abandoned. The sight of these vessels 
80 near him was enough, however, to excite the resolute spirit of Colonel 
Van Rensselaer, and he forthwith projected a handsome enterprise, (which 
failed through the want of a few regular troops,) against an armed vessel 
of the enemy, which lay along side a wharf adjoining the British maga- 
zines at Prcscott un the opposite shore. The tocsin of war still continues 
to ring. Colonel Van Rensselaer proposed with one hundred and twenty 
men, to ascend the St. Lawrence four or five miles, after night, cross the 
river, down under the Canada shore, take possession of the buildings and 
carry the vessel, boarding her by land and water at the same time. Vol- 
unteers from the militia, turned for the enterprise at evening roll call, but 
at iniiinight, they had changed their minds, and as they believed there 
existed no ctmipctcnt authority to order them beyond the limits of the 
state, this feasible project was abandoned. A similar occasion never again 
offered, as the next morning the two vessels sailed back to the lake. It 
was suhsc^ucutly ascertained, that there was no other force at the place 
to contend with, but the crews of the two vessels. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 199 



Major General Van Sensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
Sir, Ogdenshurph, July 23d, 1812, 8 o'clock, p. M. 

On receiving inforibation that Sackett's Harbour was menaced by the 
enemy, I deemed it expedient that General Brown should repair there; 
and accordingly he departed from this place early yesterday morning. 
One reason ibr my remaining a day or two longer at this post was, to 
await, and possibly improve the success which might attend a projected 
attack upon a ten-gun British schooner which has for several days been 
lying at the dock in Prcscott, opposite to this place. The proposed attack 
was concerted by my aid-de-camp, Col. Van Eensselaer, and Col. Benedict 
who commands at this post. Yesterday was spent in preparations. The 
boarding-boats were ready at 1 o'clock, last night, and the attack was to 
have been made by land and water, at 3 in the morning. But when every 
thing was prepared in such manner as to promise complete success, it 
was discovered with infinite chagrin and mortification, that only sixty-six 
men would volunteer for the service ! This number being by no means 
competent. Cols. Van Eensselaer and Bendedict, who would certainly have 
led the men to action with the most cool and determined bravery, were 
compelled to abandon an enterprize honourable in itself, and upon the 
result of which might have depended the whole command of the Lake 
and river. 

This promising project having been blasted, and as nothing further of 
consequence appeared to demand my longer stay here, I was on the eve 
of my departure at five o'clock this afternoon, when a large armed ship 
was discovered coming down the river. She anchored close on shore, oa 
the opposite side of the river, near to the schooner, and appears to be a 
fourteen-gun ship. Considerable solicitude prevails in this place. It is 
generally believed that the vessels in the harbour are the object of the 
enemy. The owners of the vessels are prejiaring to scuttle them, or re- 
move them as far out of the reach of the enemy as may be. The troops 
are busy constructing a fort of timber north of Parish's store, on the best 
ground for the purpose. But, sir, our very great misfortune is, that we 
have only two six pounders. If this harbour is to be protected, it is abso- 
lutely necessary that I should be immediately furnished with cannon of 
competent calilre, for the probably approaching emergency. I shall wait 
your answer by the return of the express, and govern myself accordingly. 

I have the honor, &c., 

His Excellency Gov. Tompkins. Stei'hen Van Rensselaer. 

John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Sir, Ogdeni^burgh, July 23, 1812. 

By throwing off my flannel, and being a little too much in the rain, I 
caught a horrid cold which laid me up yesterday. And as we quit here 
this afternoon, I must soon close my wretched scrawl. We have here 
say four hundred troops, well armed, pretty well disciplined. Three Field 
pieces, a little amunition, no works. 

Last Saturday a ten Gun British Schooner came down fron^ the narrows 
and anchored at Prescott opposite this place. We have been squinting, 
and squinting again and again at her. Last evening it was determined 
by my friend Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer and Col. Benedict to attack 
her at 3 o'clock this morning, the night has been spent in activity; ex- 
celleat Boats and all things were in readiness at 2 o'clock. The men 



200 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

were paraded, and out of four hundred, a.\\ clamorous for attack, just sixfi/- 
thrce men were willing to go ! Of course, at daylight, the expedition was 
abandoned. Never did I see a man more mortified and disappointed than 
is Col. Van Rensselaer. Never did any man see a soldier more eager for 
attack. I am now, more than ever before, satisfied of the awful stufi" for 
battle which he carries in his pluck. He was to have led the van, and I 
believe he would willingly have given a Quit Claim to all he possesses in 
the world, could he have but persuaded the men to go with him and stick 
by him. I may hereafter give you a number of amusing anecdotes of last 
night ; yet as Thorn was present with us, and will soon be with you, I 
refer to him. One word. As I write you any how, you are never to 
publish anything I write : you know what I mean ; the facts I state you 
may publish as you please when deemed expedient, but now this single 
fact of the Men's refusing to volunteer, if published, would raise a bobbery. 

From Sacketts Harbor we learn that the British Squadron looked in 
there a day or two ago, gave and received a few long shots and retired. 
There are here eight or ten fine Schooners, which if armed, would give 
us command of the Lake and liiver. How came all this ? 

Although no blow is yet struck in these parts, it does appear to me 
impossible that the thing can continue so long The command of the 
water is every thing : the British now have it ; but I think there will 
yet, in some shape, be a struggle for it; there must be, for our little force 
must be subdued or increased. 

What has become of our Salt water Fleet? 

Tell my good wife, I have not another moment to write, that I am 
neither homesick, crop-sick, war-sick, nor sick of my Wife. Tell her 
also that we are in point blank shot of Mr. Honeywood. When you are 
up all night, and the devil about among Boats and Militia, you will write 
nearly as bad as I do. 

With one foot in the stirrup and good pluck for Niagara. 

Good bye to you. 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. 

There were many hardships and deprivations to be encountered in the 
early part of this, as in every campaign. 

On one occasion Gen. Van Rensselaer accompanied by Colonel Solomon 
Van Rensselaer and Major Lovett were traveling on horseback on a tour 
of inspection " along the frontier from Sackett's Harbor to learn the con- 
dition of troops and the means of offensive or defensive operations along 
the lake and St. Lawrence. Sending our horses by land, we took two 
sailors, a sergeant and eight soldiers and started in an open boat, pre- 
pared to fight a little and run a good deal, and escape any lurking boats 
of the enemy. Until nearly night we had no wind ; then a breeze sprung 
up and increased to a gale, the night was cold. I had no outer garment 
but my flannel night gown, God bless my good wife, she made me 
bring it. We all were chilly, it was dark, the sea ran high and much to 
our vexation, were overtaken by a severe thunder storm. It was a wild 
and boi.stcrous night, the rain came down in torrents and the lightning 
fliwhed in bright sheets of light from the heavy thunder clouds. Our 
pilot got bewildered, we run the lord knows where, but we struck on the 
ri'ck.s near the mouth of little Salmon river in Mexico bay, the guard 
h;iilcd us, and gave us direction's how to get off", we did soon get off and 
were glad to seek shelter in a deserted house from which its frightened ' 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 201 

inmates had previously fled,leavin<5 only a table and wash bench. Being 
destitute of everything necessary for tlieir comfort, they were obliged to 
go supperless to bed. It was half past twelve and we sought needed re- 
pose. We placed our general on the table about four and one-half feet long, 
crooked up his legs, borrowed a thick blanket of a soldier and covered him 
up quite comfortably. The patience with which this man endures priva- 
tions as well as hardships, can only be known by those who certify the 
fact." But as to the rest. Col. Van Rensselaer got two boards and laid 
himself down in his great coat, while poor Major Lovett had choice of a 
filthy floor or the large Dutch oveu. He selected the latter as the more 
desirable couch and " the thought struck me it would be my safest retreat 
from the vermin. But how under heaven to get in I knew not, I got a 
wide board, placed an end in the mouth of the monstrous oven, laid my- 
self on the board, then bade the sergeant of the guard raise up the other 
end and push me into the oven, in I went, like a pig on wooden shovel, 
yes, and there I staid and had one of the loveliest night's rest of my life." 
Making the best of present circumstances, the jocular major, during the 
night, hearing from their conversation, that his friends were sadly tor- 
mented with bats and vermin ; boasted, much to the annoyance of the 
others, of his nice, snug chamber ; and early in the morning greeted 
them with the vociferous information, that he never slept more comforta- 
bly, " such a lovely night's rest." His dubious, but amused comrades, 
allowed the gallant and contented major to rest long without any disturb- 
ance, in his so styled pleasant quarters, till at last, endurance was unsup- 
portable, and he was very glad to beg them to draw him out. " I am still 
glad I came, tho' I have seen some pretty tough times, we all are about 
six and one-half hours on our horses amongst the most infernal set of fleas 
that ever graced a man's ears. I find the war is considered, in this part 
of the country unpopular and indeed intolerable." 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
My Dear Sir, Ogdensburgh July 29, 1812. 

I have long considered it a given point that those who do nothing, are 
always too much euyaged to do any thing else. Now this is very nearly 
my own condition : although we effect nothing, we are all the while busy. 
Here must be a redoubt thrown up; some Tents pitched yonder; this 
Schooner hauled this way, and that, that way. And the cursed FUvjs of 
Truce bother our souls out. Scarcely a day passes, but some scamp gets a 
canoe, sticks up a pole, and such part of his shirt as he can best spare, after 
having washed it so long that he can venture his soul and body on the 
chance of proving it white^ and thus rigged away he comes to our shore 
after some raft, or boat, or canoe, or in plain truth, to reconnoitre us. 
But our General has a bait put on and to all this stuflf. Thus and thus 
passes our time : stop, though, there is one good job going on : An old 
Naval who has been somewhere here about on the Grampian Hills ever 
since the year 1758, told our Soldiers wRere lay an 8 Gun Vessel sunk. 
At it the poor devils went ; several days ago they drew up one good large 
4 pounder, last night they grabbed another : we have straine'd it with 3 
heavy charges and it stands ; this day the Boys say they shall have up 
two more : Thus, Sir, while the General and State Governments are so 
infamously neglecting to supply this place with Ordnance, our boys are 
hoisting old French Pieces from the bottom of the bay. Now, Sir, I will 

26 



202 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

relate to you a little expedition which, God knows, was hazardous enough. 
At Hamilton Yillase, twenty miles below this, we have a tew troops, and 
the British are throwing up some works. Our General had an inclination 
to visit that place. He ordered our Horses down by land and the General, 
the "rcat iMr. Parish, a Mr. Kainheart, Col. Van Rensselaer and myself, 
made up the Passengers. Three Boatmen conducted us. Our boat was 
so' small, that several gentlemen were alarmed when we started and at- 
tempted' to have us called back, but without success. We went on very well 
ei"ht miles; then appeared a Rapid which, to me, looked pokcrish enough, 
but I am not timid on water, the boatmen run into the very worst place, 
the boat plunged bows under. Col. Van Rensselaer was with me in the 
bow, and the old soldier, who fears nothing on land, admits he was horridly 
scared on water. Our boatmen turned pale, and gave up, the boat wal- 
loping in the breakers; we shipped such quantities of water that the 
General and Mr. Rainheart got their breeches full. Mr. Parish his coat- 
pockets full. Col. V. R. and myself our boots full. My pistols were afloat. 
People saw us from the shore and gave us up, for without another boat, 
salvation was very distant. But we all kept steady, and that saved all : 
we got our boat ashore, baled out, and tried it again. I am not very fond 
of relating hair-breadth escapes, but I am to tell you the truth; and you 
may be assured this is just such a scrape as we don't mean to attempt 
again. We returned here last evening. I do not recollect where my war 
narrative'left oflf. We have been all mortified, almost to death, by the 
failure of the expedition against the Schooner. Had she fallen, the Earl 
Maria which came down the next day, must have inevitably followed the 
example, and this bobbing, as it may look to you, would have led to the 
command of the waters, and the want of that command will distress us 
incalculably. We sent up to Woolsey to concert a plan for attacking both ; 
and last night the concert began to be matured; and now, to renew our 
vexation, while I am writing, both the Ship and the Schooner are under 
way, with a very Iceble breeze, going up the River. As far as I can 
learn their object here has been to wait for arms and stores from Montreal. 

- Ikigades of Canada Boats, that is 24 of them have been several days 
below this coming up, each boat manned a small Piece, but we had 
pretty much determined to attack them, but the citizens discouraged the 
idea lor fear of a retaliating Bombardment, as we have no guns for the 
Ship and Schooner; and now they will be up the River again. As long 
as John Bull travels by water and the rest of the world by Land, he will 
tucker all out. 

1 have seen letters from Sackett's Harbor, giving a dreadful account of 
the attack there, all froth ; barely a few long shots. If any man wants to 
Bee folly triumphant, let him come here, let him view friends by friends 
BtretohL'd lor hundreds of miles on these two shores, all loving and be- 
loved ; all desirous of harmony ; all wounded by being coerced, by a hand 
unseen, to cut throats. The People must waken, they will wake from 
such destructive lethargy and s'tupor. 

The Troops here are very steady, respectful, obedient, healthy. It is 
certainly a great compliment to the morality of the Country, that hereon 
the lines, among a collection of every thing, there is no noise, disturbance, 
bad language nor uproar. 

Soldiers without pay or Blankets as dutiful as children. What might 
not the good spirit of this great People effect, if properly directed. His- 
tory while recording our fully, will dress her pages in mourning, the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings* 203 

showers of Posterity's tears will full in vain ; for the spon2;e of time cm 
never wipe this blot from the American Name. We are all p;ettitif^ thin 
as shad, and brown as Indians ; well we may, for, we are seldom iu bed 
more than five out of twenty-four hours, but we are hearty and treated 
with the highest respect. Thursday Morning, 30th July, I intended to 
have written more, but last night our Express returned from Albany, 
without any answer, and as we have done all that can be done here with- 
out Ordnance, we must leave the place to its fate, and take up our line of 
march to day for Sackett's Harbor, Oswego and Niagara, where you may 
again hear from me, and let me hear from you, particularly as to the 
symptoms of awakening among the People. May Almighty God rouse 
them, for this War is the Ominous Gathering of folly and madness, and 
so every one must know who comes in sight of it. 

Tell Sam. McElroy, I saw the old gentleman yesterday well. Comfort 
my Wife. Cheer all the Brethren and tell Gilbert Stewart I attend church 
twice a day. 

You have seen General Hull's Proclamation, Matter and manner all 
speak our lan<ruage. I am not timid, but my friend, my faith begins to 
quiver. The People must rouse quickly, or we shall inevitably be crushed. 

Yours very truly, j Lovett. 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. 

Major Lovett to Josc2)7i Alexander. 
My dear Friend, Oswego 5th August, 1812. 

It was my intention to have written you a long I'tter before I left this; 
and when I tell you the plain, honest truth why I have not, I really think 
you will smile and call it Military Pedantry. I was on parade, by the 
side of my General, from 3 in the afternoon until dark, and have but this 
moment (9 at night) concluded the Division Orders to Col. Flemming 
who commands at this Post. There are here, 525 as fine Militia as you 
could wish to see, under the command of an old Revolutionary Veteran 
who was in every general action during the last war. The whole service 
is to him, as familiar as housekeeping. 

Fort Oswego is really deservedly the admiration of every one. The 
works, which were once of the very first character, have gone greatly to 
decay ; but, like the great commanding traits of a handsome woman, they 
still charm the beholder, at the same time exciting admiration softened 
with tender sensations of regret, that any thing once so perfect should 
have faded with years. 

The site of this fort is on a promontory on the east siiie of O.swego 
River ; to the North and west the eye cannot command the sight of 
land. Here the Sun sets in majesty ; bidding adieu to earth, he sinks 
as it were, in the western main. Without visiting these regions no living 
mortal can conceive the majesty with which nature has here painted ; 
every stroke speaks the mighty, the mighty hand of Jehovah. 

" Here Nature strikes her strangest, boldest lines. 
And paints broad scenes unknown in eastern climes." 

J. Lovett. ' 

On reaching the Niagara frontier towards the middle of August, Gen- 
eral Van Reus.selaer found his troops scattered along the whole line of the 
river, and exposed to be cut up in detail. Having inspected his ground, 
his resolution was promptly taken to concentrate his forces at Lewiston, 



204 'Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

leavin" the necessary guards of observation at diiFerent points. Orders 
to that* effect were immediately given. His camp was formed, and the 
duties of discipline and instruction were entered upon without delay. 
From the moment of his assuming the command, his position was one of 
the utmost exposure and danger. He lay within sight of a powerful en- 
emy, separated from him only by a narrow river, for the crossing of which, 
that enemy possessed every facility. He had a line of thirty-six miles to 
guard and his whole f )rce was considerably less than one thousand men, 
on the first day of September, he had only G9i men fit tor duty, many of 
them without shoes, and all of them clamorous for pay. Of ammunition, 
there were not ten rounds per man, and no lead. There was not one piece 
of heavy ordnance in the whole line, and there were no artillerists to man 
the few light pieces which we possessed. Add to this, that the troops 
could not take or keep the field, for want of tents and covering; that the 
medical department, if one could be said to exist at all, was utterly desti-' 
tute of everything necessary for the comfort of the sick or the disabled ; 
and that there was among the men that entire want of subordination, to 
say nothing of disc^iplioe, which always characterizes raw militia; and some 
idea may be formed of the condition of our aVmy. 

The condition of the forces on the opposite bank of the river, was in 
contrast with ours in every particular. There was a well appointed, and 
well found army, under the most exact discipline, and commanded by 
skillful and experienced ofiicers. Every important post, from Fort Erie 
to Fort George, was in a defensible state, and the enemy had possessed 
himself of a very commanding position on the heights of Queenstown, 
which he was rendering every day more secure and formidable. He had, 
moreover, the mastery of the lakes, and was at that moment industriously 
employed in using that advantage to increase his numbers, and add to his 
supplies at Niagara. Expresses had been sent by Gen. Van Rensselaer 
to Albany, to represent this state of things, and to urge on the necessary 
supplies, which in time arrived at Sackett's Harbor, the nearest depot on 
the lake : but as the rendezvous of the army was now established between 
the two lakes, on the Niagara river, owing to the impossibilities of trans- 
porting those indispensable articles by laud, it became necessary to resort 
to diplomacy, in order to secure their safe passage through the waters 
under the control of the enemy. Fortunately an opportunity of a trial of 
thi.s act .soon occurred. An armistice was in course of negotiation. Major 
General Dearborn wrote that, " Our government had received despatches 
from England of a conciliatory nature ; to the proposition on the part of 
Sir George Provost, for a mutual cessation of hostilities on the frontiers, 
he would comply so for, as to agree to direct the respective commanding 
officers, to confine their operations to defensive measures for the present." 

Oeii. Van Rensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
Sir, Buffalo, August nth, 1812. 

I have to advise your Excellency that I arrived here last evening, and 
various considerations induced me to adopt measures for obtaining the 
most 8ati.sfactory information respecting the situation of General Hull. 
Accordingly, I this morning sent my aid-de-camp to Black Rock, having 
heard that Judge Porter, brother of the Quarter Master General, had lately 
returnod from Dotn.it. Col. Van Rensselaer has returned, having had a 
confurei.ce with the Quarter Master General, and Judge Porter. The 
amount ol inibrmation obtained is substantially this. That Judge Porter 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 205 

left Detroit, on the 29th ult., General Hull was entrcnchinp; himself op- 
posite to Detroit ; Fort Maiden was not taken as has been reported ; Gen- 
eral Hull's force was eight hundred. At Brown's Town, below Detroit, 
are fifteen hundred hostile Indians. Quarter Master General Porter has 
lately sent several boats with provisions for General Hull; but unfortu- 
nately, one boat has been taken by the enemy, and unfavourable appre- 
hensions are entertained for the other boats. It is here generally believed, 
that detachments of troops have been sent from Fort George, to relievo 
Fort Maiden ; the number remaining behind, I have not been able to 
ascertain, but shall endeavour to make this an object of early in(juiry. It 
is said that the enemy abound on the opposite shore, with ordnance, and 
every munition of war. We are, here, as indeed at all of our posts, la- 
mentably deficient in ordnance. The situation of Ogdensburgh, and the 
necessity of supplying it with heavy ordnance, I have before stated to 
your Excellency in my letter by express from that place. Every con- 
Bideration connected with the success of any operations in this quarter, 
urges me to solicit the earliest possible supply of heavy ordnance, and 
some skillful engineers, and artillerists. Without such aid and supplies, 
I can hardly conceive how it will be possible for us to achieve anything 
of importance, or even defend our posts in case of attacks from the enemy. 
I shall, tomorrow, proceed on to Black Rock and Lewiston, and make 
further communications of every incident of moment. 

I have spent a part of this day with Red Jacket, Corn Planter, and a 
number of other Indians of influence. They very kindly consider me as 
the messenger of peace and friendship, specially delegated by your excel- 
lency. Their professions are unreservedly friendly, and I believe sincere. 
I have this day received a letter from Major General Dearborn, in which 
he speaks of Fort Maiden as being taken : I have given him such inform- 
ation on the subject as I have here obtained. I have the honour &c 

To His Excellency Governor Tompkins. 

Cornplanter, the venerable Seneca chief, did all in his power to keep 
his race neutral. At the request of the United State government, he in- 
duced their influential chiefs, to visit the Indians on the Grand river, 
talk with them about remaining neutral and bring back an answer. The 
authorities of the United States used every eff'ort in their power to keep 
the Indians from the contest on both sides, knowing their cruel mode of 
warfare, and resolved not to employ the savages in the war unless com- 
pelled to. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
My dear Friend,. Niagara Falls, August 14, 1812. 

I hope I may never cease to praise God for his bountiful gift of that 
strange kind of somefhinr/ which he was pleased, in mercy, to put into my 
composition which still continues to sustain me in cheerful activity when 
real stout men are willing to sit down and rest. At eight this morning I 
mounted my horse, and I have been on his back or m^ legs until this 
minute (nine at night) except at dinner. My General also, you may 
depend is no common man to endure fatigue, and my good friend the 
Colonel, I have left at Lewiston, seven miles off". Gen. Hull and Howe 
Cuyler, I have this moment parted from, and they say they are much 
fatigued. Now here I sit alone, in a little hut twelve by fifteen feet, on 
the top of the falls, so near that I can sjyit in ; half deafened by that 
thorough-bass groan which nature in some awfully couvujsive moment 



206 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

struck- which she has continued for ages and ages; and which will pro- 
bably continue until that dreadful moment when she will swell it a note 
louder and expire. Here I have slept, in state with our baggage, on the 
floor for two nights ; and this makes the third and last. I say in state, 
because I have a sentinel the outside my door, and a Cask of Wine the 
inside ' but I can have no intercourse with either ; for etiquette forbids 
the former, and the want of a gimlet the latter * * * I now and then 
get a peep at your Papers, and the most abominable lies which are thrown 
out are producing such mischief, that I willingly rob myself of sleep to 
give you the truth, for what I write you may depend on as fact. I wrote 
to Van Vechten by the last mail the situation of General Hull, I am in- 
clined to think he is not in a very eligible situation. General Dearborn 
believes Fort Maiden is taken, he writes so, but it is not true. Now in 
justification of the movements of our General, who God knows would 
serve his Country if he could (I made a little sketch of the country &c. 
where and how Hull is situated, in my letter to Van Vechten, read that 
and you will sec what condition we are in), but how is that possible in 
our present condition. We have eleven cannon for all our extensive 
lines no works of any consequence, except old Fort Niagara, and that, 
though once a master piece, is all going to decay. From Buffalo to 
Niagara both inclusive we have not 1000 Militia. Capt. Leonard, of the 
Garrison at Niagara told me this afternoon, that our Regulars are 360 and 
no more ! Wait another sentence, although Gen. Van Rensselaer is inces- 
santly pressing the Commander-in-Chief with the indispensable necessity 
of a competent supply of heavy ordance ; for Engineers ; Artillerists ; still 
a noble company of 106 Artillerists, at Niagara, are in two or three days 
to take up their line of march for Albany ! This, Capt. Leonard told me 
this day. After all that you have heard, you will not, you cannot believe 
me, but hear me, and wait until the next mail when we shall send the 
Commander-in-Chief our Inspection Returns of all the Posts. Now as to 
the enemy : Although they have sent off large detachments, General 
Wadsworth, who commands at Lewiston told me to day, 1000 from 
Niagara to reinforce Fort Maiden, yet they appear to be awake all along 
the lines,'yet exceeding civil, and still with ordnance, of every description, 
and all the munitions of war they abound. 

Every three or four miles, on every prominent point or eminence, 
there you see a snug l^attery thrown up, and " the last " saucy arguments 
of King ^ poking their white noses, and round black nostrils right up in 
your face, ready to spit fire, ball and brimstone in your very teeth if you 
even offer to turn Squatter on John Bull's land. Niagara, on the British 
side, or as it is called sometimes, New Ark ; I mean at Lake Ontario, looks 
wicked every where. It is a charming, fertile, broad village, but all a 
camp, fortified at every point. Capt. Leonard was this afternoon, in my 
presence, asked seriously, for his professional answer, as an able, gallant, 
and experienced officer, What number of Troops would be competent to 
promise success in an attack upon Fort George, that is, their main work ? 
I heard the answer " Not less thaJ 2,000 WELL DISCIPLINED Troops. 
Those who know Leonard will believe, for they must respect his opinion. 
No sooner did we approach with our cavalcade, than away ran expresses, 
on the opposite shore at full speed. Here, again I saw our old Friend, 
the Karl of Moria. While we were reconnoitering the works, the Prince 
lleg(Mit up sails and stood off North. Now let the reasonable part of the 
world ju'igc why Gen. Van Rensselaer cannot act. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 207 

To-morrow I take our Bagpage to Lewiston, where we shall establish 
Head Quarters. Thank my Wife for her Political Kpistle. I cutjsirler 
you the organ of communication to all my friends. Thank my Wife for 
the Flannel Night Gown, in which I roll myself this moment and tumble 
on the floor, to rest. Yours ever truly. 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. J. Lovett. 

Journal of the Campaign continued. 

Sunday, August 16, 1812. Head Quarters Lewiston. 

The oftener I get a peep at your Papers, the more I feel it my duty to 
give you the correct history of every occurrence which can possibly be 
tortured into a lie; but as I must of necessity write in great haste, steal- 
ing, as it were'the time; writing on my kuee, my hat, or any how, you 
•will of course excuse 10,(jOU blunders; but Facts you may depend on. 
My last to you I closed late at night on the 14th at the Falls. Yesterday 
morning I brought our Baggage down here. And now for a little scratch- 
ing sport, which I relate principally for the purpose of enabling you to 
meet the li/c should any fool, or scoundrel manufacture one, out of what 
little did actually take place. You know the banks of this outlet con- 
tinue of a uniform hight from the falls down to within a mile and a half 
of this place, on the high bluff's on each side the river are guards, I had 
but just arrived yesterday when a firing of Musketry commenced on both 
sides the river at this place. 

My General says, I was the first man on my horse and that as I started 
he called to me three or four times to come back, and the reason he very 
handsomely assigned was, that he expected I was going to run away, and 
that he should never see me again. However, Gen. Wadsworth and Col. 
Van Rensselaer were on their horses and started with me. We run our 
horses up such horrid rocky precipices as I never saw men ride before. 
The firing increased, and the moment we darted out of the bushes on to 
the open land, a soldier catching his breath ran up to me and sung out. 
" General, do ride down into that hollow, for the balls fl}' dreadfully 
here!" It was partly true; they did fly a little : but I did not observe 
only two that went near enough to make me grin. Col. V. 11., says he 
heard 6 or 8, about near enough. We pursued on a little further and 
halted on our horses, in(juiring of another soldier what began the skir- 
mish, while he was relating his story, there came a ball pretty near us, 
and had I been shot through, I could not have helped laughing to see 
the poor devil run behind a large black oak tree; draw his arms close to 
his body, catch his breath and grin ! You may depend on it there is 
Bometlfing perfectly indescribable in the face of a clown who expects at 
every breath a ball through his back. 

Gen. Wadsworth was extremely cautious to keep his breast towards the 
halls, saying he •' had no notion that a Wadswouth shoxild be shot throwjh 
ike back! However, after six or eight minutes the firing ceased on both 
sides, the guards were small and I do not believe there were more than 
100 muskets discharged on both sides, but those were 4 to one by the 
enemy. So we galloped all back again by another route amidst the 
plaudits of our clever fellows, and no one more gratified with the little 
prompt zeal shown, than our Commander. Now this exactly not himj may, 
by some fool be conjured up as to another Sackttt's Harbor Battle. la 
the afternoon over came a Flag from Lieut. Col. Myers of the 70 Regt. 
Commanding Fort George with a letter demanding the reason why his 



208 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

guards had been fired on. And I have just had the honor of answering 
his letter to say that 2 men appeared near the American shore under 
suspicious circumstances, they hailed the opposite shore, and soon a Boat 
appeared, presumed to be for the object of transporting the two men over ; 
and she was therefore fired upon and the fire returned. Col. Van llensse- 
laer decorated with all the pomp of war, as the best sample we could give 
Cafaada, has just been over with the letter and returned, that's all. Now 
one civil question, and your answer to it if you please. Did you ever 
expect to see me encamped on the Field of Mars, in my own Horseman's 
Tent, with my board slaw-bunk, 2 blankets, 1 trunk, a brace of Pistols, my 
valise stufi'ed with hay for a pillow, a large tin box at my feet and 12 
round of cartridges for my pistols ? Just so is the fact. Col. V. R., is 
on my right and the 2 black boys directly in our rear, and to-morrow we 
rear the general's Marquee in the centre, I am hearty, eat my allowance, 
do my duty, am first up, and last in bed. I am happy and respect myself, 
but the Lord only knows what will become of home. I have not received 
a cent from any quarter. The General is now going to concentrate all 
our forces at this place, and order in more. We must soon hear from 
Hull and Albany, and afi'airs will by and by assume some further cha- 
racter. Everything is so uncertain that I can say but little. One thing 
I can with great truth say ; nothing but Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer's 
having the command of this campaign could have saved the service from 
confusion ; the State from disgrace, and the cause from perdition ; and 
nothing could have been more fortunate for the General than the man he 
has at his elbow, for Solomon in /act and truth does know everything 
which appertains to the economy of a camp — Stop : — Away we must all 
march, at beat of drum, and hear an old Irish clergyman preach to us, 
Amen. I have become a perfect machine; go just where I'm ordered. 

9, at night. Huzza ! Huzza! and tantivy ! we have been all day making 
out and dispatching orders to Oswego for a Rifle Battalion ; Cayuga for a 
Troop of Horse ; to Ontario for Bloom's Regiment &c. and now, since dark, 
comes a memorandum from Capt. Dox, at Albany, of the road full of Troops, 
Flying Artillery, Infantry &c. and all the Uniformed Companies in the 
State ! ! ! An express from the Governor General of Canada to Gen. Dear- 
born proposing an Armistice ! ! ! ! Very well : I've got my Tent, and no 
one but a better fellow than myself shall oust me. I have, also, just got 
lib. of Candles ; stuck up one of them in a little 3 cornered kind of a pig- 
yoke and begin to feel proud. The old Preacher to day gave us the whole 
history of David's battle with Goliath, under what zeal he pushed across 
the river to Goliah, and told us we should bring his marrow-bones to the 
ground if we only had faith. We believe he was right, but at t^e same 
time, wc hhould like some ordnance heavier than 6 Pounders, otherwise 
we shall hardly be able to knock ofl' Goliah's armor. Monday Aug. 17th, 
3 i-.M. Mr. Dickson, a gentleman of respectability from Queenstown, op- 
pasite this, is this moment over with a Flag of Truce. We asked him the 
News on the Canada shore ? He says, that all the Re-iuforcements going 
from Ohio to General Hull are cut oif and destroyed by the Indians from 
Browns Town. Since writing the above, Peter B. Porter tells me that 
from information he before possessed, he has no doubt of the fact stated 
by Mr. Dickson. You have seen me tart, seen me sweet, so I am now. 
N..t a moment has Col. Van lleiissolaer or myself been off our le-s since 
5 o clock this morning. Our Troops are all in motion concentrating, there 
18 everything to do. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 209 

See that ray Wife and chililren do not droop. It was right for me to 
come, and I cannot think of returning until sonvtliimj clfines out of this 
scrape. Let Van Vechten and We-sterlo know how and where we are. 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. J. Lovett. 

On the night of the 17th about midnight, I heard a whoop " Ofl&cerof the 
Guard ! Officer of the Guard !" Out I ran : for to tell the candid truth I 
have about done with sleep. Eeveille, Tattoo, "who comes tiiere?" " A 
friend." " Friend advance and give the countersign," and the d — 1 knows 
what all, has broke up all the little regularity I ever had. I am a perfect 
piece of machinery. I feel no more like John Lovett than I do like Gat. 
Van Wie. Well, this was an express with letters from Gen. Dearborn in- 
closing a sort of three legged armistice between some sort of an Adjutant 
General in behalf of the governor general of Canada and the said Gen. 
Dearborn. Also letters to Lt. Col. Myers commanding at Fort George. 
In the morning we sent down to Niagara, seven miles, sent a flag across 
with the letters &c. There is nothing but flag after flag, letter after 
letter. Gen. Brock gone, somewhere. Lt. Col. Myers not at the Fort, 
now, and Major Gen. Sheaffo, formerly of Boston (brother of Nancy 
Sheafl'e, tell my wife) is now commanding at Fort George. Our General 
often has to act when responsibility is very high, we can rely on no 
council but our little family : in what shape these acts may come up 
another day, I know not: for this reason, if I live, I am determined that 
the whys and wherefores of all these acts shall remain on record. This is 
work, try it who will. From four in the morning until nine or ten at 
night, no man is still. I do not believe there ever was a militia camp 
better regulated. 

Those who only know Solomon Van Rensselaer in civil life, know but 
very little about him. He is all formed for war; the whole economy of 
Camp is to him familiar as Pot-boiling. The weather is unfavorable, 
alternate rains and sun excessively hot. We have to pay great attention 
to the health of the men. The duty of our Troops is really severe — about 
160 mount guard constantly, but no grumbling. The General is indefati- 
gable with them all the while among the men and is growing every day 
more and more the favorite of the whole Camp. Five minutes ago we 
returned throu<rh the linea) a man had fallen in a fit: the General looked 
and felt of him called one of his Mess to go directly with him to his Mar- 
quee, and by him sent the poor soul a tumbler of Wine. Encamping in 
the midst of the soldiers, and being every hour in their view pleases all. 
All the boats which Porter has sent to Gen. Hull are undoubtedly cut off. 
1 do not see how Hull can get out but he may, I hope so. Freemen, and 
brave soldiers are sacrifices too precious to be offered on the altar to atone 
for folly and rashness. Great God ! is there no redeeming angel who 
can rouse the People before it is too late. Must all that our Fathers pur- 
chased with their heart's blood, and bequeathed with their dying breath, 
go for nothing but the very smell of garlick soup which is pouring on our 
heads to scald us to death. I care not a rush for my own little inconveni- 
ences, they are not worth mentioning. But O for a voice of thunder to 
rouse my sleeping Countrymen. Tell my Wife I love her like a true soldier. 

Truly your friend, J. Lovett. 

An armistice had been concluded between Gen. Dearborn and the 
governor general of Canada, and Gen. Van Rensselaer saw it became ne- 

27 



210 » Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

cessnry to settle ^vith the commander of the British forces opposite to them, 
terms of an arraugcment for the government of the armies on the Niagara, 
durin-'- the continuance of the armistice. The performance of this duty 
was assigned to Col. Van Rensselaer; and at his suggestion he received 
the autluiritj of Gen. Van Rensselaer to secure if possible the waters of 
Lake Ontario as a common highway for the purpose of transportation. 
" The following clause, proposed and insisted on, on the part of the British 
general, will serve to show how wide of each other were our respective 
views and interests, ' It is moreover to be distinctly understood, that 
there is not any thing in the foregoing articles, to be construed into 
grantintr facilities for the forwarding of troops, stores, &c., which did not 
exist before the declaration of the armistice, farther than they are to pass 
unmolested as therein provided, in the mode and by the routes assigned 
to them prior to the cessation of hostilities.' My interview with Gen. 
Phcafl'c, on this mission, was one full of interest. As was anticipated, 
the terms proposed by me were met not only with objections, but at tirst 
by an unequivocal refusal to accede to them." The result of a protracte'd 
discussion, however, was an agreement which confined the restrictions to 
the movements of troops, stores, &c., to the country above Fort Erie, and 
left such movements elsewhere, entirely unshackled and free. Before 
leaving the tent of General Van Rensselaer, my fiUher observed that, 
" Our situation is critical and embarrassing, something must be done, we 
must have the cannon and military stores from Oswego, I shall make a 
powerful effort to-procure the use of the waters, and shall take such ground 
as will make it impossible for me to recede. If I do not succeed, then 
Lovctt must cross over and carry Gen. Dearborn's order into effect." 
General A''an Rensselaer gave his cordial consent; but Major Lovett said, 
" Van, you niay as well give that up, you will not succeed." His answer 
was, " If I do not, it will not be my fault." The colonel in his full 
military dress, mounted his charger, for the British head quarters, and 
with the flag of truce crossed the river. He was of course courteously 
received. He met Gen. Sheaffe : Col. Myers and Major Evans of the 
British army were present at the interview. 

To the proposition, that no troops should move from that district to 
join Gen. Brock, Gen. Sheaffe readily agreed ; but when my father pro- 
posed to him, the use of the navigable wat^s as a public highway in 
common with themselves, as was expected, he replied, " It was inadmissi- 
ble." Col. Van Rensselaer insisted upon his terms which were unequivo- 
cally refused. He then said to Gen. Sheaffe, '' There can be no armistice, 
our negotiation is at an end. General Van Rensselaer will take the re- 
sponsibility on himself to prevent your detaching troops from this district." 
The officers all rose Upon their leet. General bheaffe clapped his hand 
upon the hilt of his sword, and in an hostile attitude said, " Sir, you take 
hiijh ijronml!" The colonel rose upon his feet, and put himself in a like 
positioti and replied, " I do sir, and will maintain it." Then addressing 
himself decidedly to General Sheaffe, " You dare not detach the troops!" 
Not another word was uttered. After walking the room for a few mo- 
mcnt.-^ the general said, " Be seated, and excuse me." He then with his 
two aid.s withdrew to an adjoining room. Shortly after he returned and said, 
" Sir, from amicable considerations, I grant you the use of the waters." 
Here the iiitorvicw closed, perhaps, in polite enmity ! Thus, by the decided 
tone and judicious management of Col. V. li,, the only passage to all the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 211 

wants of the army was opened contrary to the expectations of even the 
commander in chief. 

Major Samuel S. Forman of Syracuse and Jacob Ten Eyck of Cazenovia 
were in the camp at Lcwiston, when the express arrived from Gen. Dear- 
born, with the intelligence that an armistice had been agreed on between 
him and Sir George Provost ; it caused quite an excitement. 

Major Forman wrote : " I happened to be on a visit among our people. 
I saw your gallant father, the finest looking officer I ever beheld, mount 
his Buchephalus ; then he was in the prime of life, in full court costume, 
and indeed, he made a most martial appearance as he went over to the 
British side. We all watched for his return with the greatest anxiety ; 
and when at length he came, full speed oa his way to head (juarters, I 
met him. 

" He courteously made short halt. I hailed him with, ' Well colonel, 
what success?' His reply was, laying his hand on his breast, with a 
happy animated expression, ' To my heart's content, come to head (juurters, 
and I will tell you all about it.' Your father then dispatched messengers 
to Sacketts Harbor. The necessary cannon and war implements were 
put on board of bateaux, and sent on the lake and landed safely at the four 
mile creek from Fort Niagara, thence to the camp ground without the 
knowledge of the enemy. What a saving of time and expense to the 
United States by this wise and judicious management is incalculable, they 
could have laid waste miles of our country and returned in safety to their 
own dominion ! ! ! This most extraordinary mauccuvre and its consequent, 
effected by the youug dragoon (the result of stern discipline and firmness 
acquired on " the dark and bloody ground,") was not intended by his 
political enemies to be known, and has scarcely ever, even at this late 
day, now sixty-two years, had more than cursory notice, yet his services 
were of a peculiarly marked character. 

Col. Van Rensselaer to Ids Wife. 
My Dear Harriot, Lewiston, Niagara, Aug. 21, 1812. 

What under the Heavens is the reason you do not write to me, I have 

written from almo.st every place I have been at, without receiving a line 

' from you. The only person I have had a letter from is Robert which 

was dated at Utica, but which gratified me much as I heard from you, and 

that Rensselaer was safe Vith Rev. Mr. Huntingdon. jMajor Forman and 

• Jacob Ten Eyck reached this to-day, the latter informed me he had seen 

I you about a fortnight since and that you were all well j it is unnecessary 

'■■ for me to say how happy it made me. I had only one moment to speak 

I to him but I shall see him when I have finished this which goes by the 

I mail this evening. When they reached Camp I was mounted on my 

I horse to go over to the British side to conclude an Armistice in which I 

■ have been engaged for three days in conformity to an arrangement made 

; at Albany between Gen. Dearborn and the British Adjutant General. I 

have succeeded to the astonishment and admiration of all ; and until we 

hear from below we are at peace with our neighbors. In my intercourse 

with the British Officers on the subject of the armistice and from other 

sources, we have been informed, and I have no doubt of the correctness 

of the information, of an action fought between Gen. Hull and the British 

! at Detroit, in which our Troops suffered severely. From all wo can learn, 

I he has either been taken, or compelled to re-cross the river; but in my 

i negotiations with Major Gen. Sheaffe, Colonel Myers and Major Evans, I 



212 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

kei)t up puch a hold front that although General Dearborn's Instructions 
were confined to their not sending re-inforccnients to act against Hnll, 
I succeeded in getting the use of the waters of the Eivers and Lakes. 
This to the Army and the Merchants is of incalculable value tor future 
operations ; and this was effected by a proper disposition of our small 
forces, and holding out to them moderate but strong language. The 
Troop's before we came here, were scattered along the frontiers, we have 
concentrated them and are now getting in fine order. They did nothing 
before, they are pleased in the change, but in making that change I assure 
you I have my hands full; we have now eleven Hundred only above 
Oswego, instead of Tompkins's Jive tliousatul ; but 1500 more are on the 
inarch. ' I am everything to all, and as for my General, he is much 
pleased with me. The Patroon and Lovett are well. We all live in our 
tents, are up at the firing of the morning gun at day break. It is getting 
too dark to add more, take good care of yourself. Kiss the children for 
me. God bless you my dear Harriot. Your affectionate Husband, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. 

[" General Brock crossed the Detroit river on the 9th of August, with 
white and Indian troops, and demanded the surrender of Detroit and 
Hull's army, at the same time intimating that, in the event of a refusal, 
the savages would have free rein in the escr^se of their bloody method 
of warfare. Hull was cautious and humane. An intercepted letter as- 
sured him that a large force of Indians might be expected from Mackinaw. 
This letter was written at Maiden, as if from a British agent, and so con- 
veyed as to fall into the hands of Hull, who was completely deceived by 
it. Doubtful of his ability to sustain a siege with his limited supplies, 
and desirous of saving the people in the fort, Hull surrendered, August 
16, 1812, the town, garrison, stores, and the Michigan territory, into the 
hands of the British."] 

In a letter written by Colonel Van Rensselaer to General Wilkinson in 
reference to the difficulties of their situation, he tells of the negotiations 
with General Sheaffe. In Gen. Dearborn's instructions was " that no troops 
should move from the British Niagara district to aid against General 
Hull, they surrendered to me this important point &c. &c. This armis- 
tice is most important and highly favorable to'us; and is as much es- 
teemed as we could desire as securing advantages to our state and the 
country at large, and our posterity will reap the benefit of our judicious 
management in this effort." The importance of this arrangement has 
never been sufficiently appreciated. The imme'diate and pressing neces- 
sity for this step on our. part, was, that without it, the ordnance and 
supplies intended for our army, having been collected at Oswego, were 
not likely ever to reach us; the roads were impassible, especially for 
heavy cannon, and the highway of the lake was beset by a triumphant 
enemy. As soon as the negotiation was successfully completed, an ex- 
press was despatched to Col. Fenwick at Oswego, to move on with his 
supplies with all possible expedition. But General Van Rensselaer was 
enabled to use this advantngo for another purpose, of great importance to 
the service. No sooner was the way open, than an express was sent to 
Ogdeiisburgh with an order for the removal of nine vessels from that place 
to Sackeft's Harbor. To this niovcment was Commodore Chauncey in- 
debted for the asceudaucy which he for a time was enabled to maintain on 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 213 

the lake, ntid without which the subsequent descent at Little York could 
not have been attempted. 

Major General Van Rensselaer to Major Oeiural Dearborn. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, Aujrust 21, 1812. 

Inclosed I transmit you a copy of an a<;reement, this day entered into 
between Major General Sheaffe, commanding Fort George and Dependen- 
cies, &c., &c., and myself, for the government of the forces on each side 
the line. You will readily perceive, that terms more favuurable than those 
expected in your letter, have been obtained. The agreement speaks for 
itself. The relief of General Hull was a primary object. General Porter 
has just arrived here : I have communicated my ideas of the fair construc- 
tion of the Agreement and he will act immediately for relieving General 

I have the Honor to be Sir, with great Consideration, &c., 
Major General Dearborn. S. Van Rensselaer. 



CHAPTER X. 

Critical Situation of the United States Army. 

General Orders. 
Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 22, 1812. 
It is painful to the Major General to find that some part of the troops 
are so regardless of their duty as to disobey the orders issued for prevent- 
ing scattering firing in and about the camp. This dangerous and disgrace- 
ful practice is once more, and for the last time prohibited. If any more 
of the line (the guards and sentinels excepted) shall, after this discharge 
his fire-arms without orders, he will be instantly confined ; and the field 
and company officers are strictly enjoined to enforce this order. The 
Major General regrets that he is compelled to remind the ofiicers under 
bis command of the necessity of being in camp at night : for if thri/ will 
be regardless of their duty, what can be expected of their men by such an 
example i* They are, in future, directed to be at night in their tents, un- 
less otherwise ordered; and in perfect readiness at any moment, to com- 
mence or repel an attack, to which troops in the face of an enemy are at 
all times liable. The Officers and troops meet with the perfect approbation 
of the Major General, for their alertness in parading at reveille ; with the 
exception of one or two companies, which were not this mornijigon parade 
and the captain of one company not in camp. But let him beware for the 
future ; if caution and remonstrance will avail nothing, more decisive 
measures will. Tomorrow being the Sabbath, the guards will not discharge 
their pieces until Monday, after roll-call ; and this regulation will be ob- 
served until further orders. 

By order of Major General Van Rensselaer, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 



214 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

General Dearborn to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sip Head Quarters, Greenbush, Aug. 25, 1812. 

As soon as practicable after the receipt of this, you will please to have 
the enclosed letter directed to the Commanding Officer of the British 
forces at Fort George, at Niagara, conveyed to him by a flag; and the 
letter directed to Gen. Hull, you will please to have forwarded to him by 
express, with as great despatch as practicable; and at the expiration of 
four days after the letter is delivered to the British Commanding Officer 
at Fort George, you will consider the temporary conditional agreement 
for suspending offensive operations between the forces under your com- 
mand, and the British forces in your vicinity, as no longer binding on 
either side; and you will act"accordingly ; and you will make every exer- 
tion in your power for annoying the enemy, as well as to guard against 
any attack from him. Considerable reinforcements have been sent on 
from Montreal to strengthen their positions in Upper Canada; and I trust 
you will very soon receive such additional force fi'om this State, and from 
Pennsylvania, as will enable you to pass into Canada with safety and 
effect. A large reinforcement is on its march under Brig. Gen. Dodge, for 
Sacketts Harbour and Ogdensburgh, as well as for Plattsburgh. I have 
ordered thirty bateaux to Niagara, and an equal number to Sacketts Har- 
bour, and have directed the building of proper scows for the transporta- 
tion of ordnance. If the enemy should have detached from Fort George, 
it may afford you an opportunity to strike a blow. J have the honour, &c, 
' P. 8. Sir, it will be advisable to wait until the arrival of Lt. Col. Fen- 
wick with the cannon, and stores shall be rendered certain, within four 
days, before you send the enclo.sed letter to Fort George. I presume he 
must arrive befo# this reaches you ; but it may be otherwise. 

(Signed) H. Dearborn. 

Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. 

Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Sheaffe. 

Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 25, 1812. 

I have learnt, with regret, that last night a subaltern officer with a few 
soldiers and citizens, contrary to my orders, passed over from the Ameri- 
can shore, and on Buck horn Island, surprised and brought off a sergeant 
and five men, with a boat. Early this morning, I ordered the sergeant 
and men released, and tyJie boat restored to them. 

I have the honour, &c. 

Major General Sheaffe, Commanding, &c. S. Van Rensselaer. 

Major General Isaac Brock to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Head Quarters. Fort George, 25th August, 1812. 

Major General Sheaffe having communicated to me your letter of this 
date, addressed to him, I seize upon the first moment to express my thanks 
for the measures you have adopted to prevent the possibility of any mis- 
understanding which might have arisen in consequence of the unautho- 
rized act of one of your subaltern officers. It was not until my arrival at 
Fort Erie, late in the evening of the 23d instant that I learnt that a ces- 
sation of hostiiiticH had been agreed upon, between General Dearborn and 
Sir (Jeorgc I'rovo.st ; and [, in conserjuence, despatched early yesterday 
iiiorniiig, an express to Ainhcrstburgh, ordering a cessation of all offensive 
operations against the United States, in that quarter; aud likewise to 



i 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 215 

exert every influence in restraining the Indians from committing any acts 
of hostility. • 

The fortune of war having put me in possession of Detroit and its de- 
pendencies, a small garrison has been ordered to occupy the Fort, the chief 
object of which was to aftord protection to the inhabitants of the Territory. 
I have the honor to enclose a copy of a Proclamation which I issued upon 
this occasion. 1 have the honour, &c., 

Isaac Brock. 

Major General Van Rensselaer, commanding Lewiston. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to General Dearlom. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 26th August, 1812. 

I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a Proclamation, which I 
this day received from Major General Brock, under cover of his letter of 
this date to me ; a copy of which letter, I also transmit to you. My 
letter to Major General Sheafi"e, of which mention is made, was to disavow 
an imprudent act of a subaltern officer, who, with a few soldiers and citi- 
zens, passed over, since the Armistice, to Buckhorn Island, and there 
surprised a sergeant and five men, of the enemy, and brought them oflF, 
together with their boat, which men I ordered to be immediately released 
and the boat restored. 

The surrender of General Hull's army excites a great deal of alarm in 
this vicinity. I shall, however, as far as in my power, check and keep it 
under. 1 have the Honour, &c. 

Major General Dearborn. S. Van Bensselaer. 

There was so much unpleasant feeling at this time, that political con- 
troversy ran very high. " Gen Peter B. Porter and Col. Solomon Van 
Rensselaer had such a bitter dispute, that it resulted in a challenge from 
Porter, but they never reached the dueling ground on Grand Island. 
General Stephen A'an Rensselaer watched them closely after he heard of 
the challenge, and was prepared to arrest them both when they should 
attempt to go to the island." The difficulty arose from an infringement 
of the armistice as shown by the above letters. 

One of the old soldiers under Col. Van Rensselaer writes : " I witnessed 
the untiring exertions of this gallant officer to brin^the militia in order 
for military operations, and never was there so great a change as was 
witnessed with as^tonishnient and pleasure by all of us in so short a time, 
by the measures he pursued. The camp was formed, and the general 
orders for its regulation were the most concise and military I ever saw, 
our duties were clearly pointed out to us, while his amiAle and decided 
deportment made it a pleasure to obey him. At lour o'clock in the morning, 
the troops were on parade, where we always found him, directing the dis- 
cipline so necessary to our safety and honor; wherever his services were 
required, there he would be found. 

" The sick and well soldiers will long remember his exertions to make 
them comfortable ; indeed no one but an eye-witness can form an idea of 
the order and regularity of the camp and his masterly arrangements along 
the whole line of the Niagara. The general orders were all written by 
hira, they will compare with any orders written during the war. 

'' The want of cannon and military stores embarrassed them much. 
When the colonel left us to go over the river about the armistice, we could 
not but be proud of his handsome looks and manly bearing. 



216 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" When Hull's army was inarched past us, there were insinuations that 
Gen Van Rensselaer would do the like, but notwithstanding all the 
reports Col. Van llensselaer kept the troops every day at close drill and 
field duty, he was constantly among them. Some of the suspected officers 
discovered that his eagle eye was upon them ; he was generally feared and 
loved ; and it was owing to his unflinching firmness that there was not a 
mutiny in camp, and that the militia did not disband themselves and go 
home, as was the case after he was wounded. The disastrous fortune of 
Hull, together with several other reverses to our arms, up to this time, 
had a ve7y dispiriting effect upon the army collected at Lewiston. Beside 
this, it was ascertained that there were persons in the camp, busily en- 
"•a-'cd, either from political or selfish motives, exciting this discontent and 
m "promulgating doctrines which had the tendency of producing conscien- 
tiuun scruples among the men, against crossing into Canada. 

" When Gen. Brock with all the force he could draw from the upper 
country arrived, he intended to take Fort Niagara, but the cannon and 
military stores had arrived and been judiciously disposed of, we showed a 
bold front, and no attack was made. Yet their difficulties were many, for 
the <'reat deficiency of all the necessary munitions for war curtailed their 
movements. There were about fifty or sixty Schenectady boats loaded 
with heavy cannon and stores at Oswego not wishing to enter further on 
the lake for fear of the British ships but after the cessation of arms, they 
all passed safely on, as also the vessels with which General Dearborn and 
the lamented Pike made the attack upon York. If Gen. John Armstrong 
or any man of the same political clique, in favor with the government, 
had commanded at Queenston, he would have been promptly and pro- 
perly supplied with all necessary articles for use and defense, but with 
the present officer, every thing had been curtailed. The agreement re- 
garding the armistice and use of the waters of the lake, as a common 
course, was signed on the 21st of August; this important service which 
was only gained by the firmness of the soldier's friend, gave us the com- 
mand of liake Ontario, and by the safe arrival of the cannon and military 
stores enabled us to maintain our position. 

" It was supposed that Gen, Hull was in possession of Maiden, when the 
lamentable news arrived of Gen. Hull's treachery and the capture of his 
army. This indeediwas a great damper to the United States troops, and 
what added to the mortification, on the 25th of the same month General 
Brock at the head of his British troops had been seen, on the opposite side of 
tiie river, within a quarter of a mile of us, conducting along the heights of 
Queenston Gen. Hull and his American army ; marching these prisoners 
of war triumphantly along in full view of the United States troops laying 
at licwiston !! 

" Never did I see such vehement excitement and distrust on the part of 
our troops, the idea spread through the camp that Hull had sold the army. 
No <loul)t but this had some effect upon the militia of the United States 
declining to reinforce their brothers in the battle on the 13th of October. 
" After the disgraceful fall of Detroit and surrender of Gen. Hull, there were 
strong symptoms of distrust among the troops, and it was used by political 
leaders aa a fire-brand to inflame passions and undermine the influence of 
General Van Rensselaer. The chaplain frequently noticed such reports 
in his sermons, and would advise them not to fear, and pledged his life to 
the troops that they would never be IMled, but the unfortunate im- 
prc.-^siou was not removed, and great alarm was felt by the inhabitants." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings 217 

A letter received from Alltany stated : " I must tell you a ridiculous re- 
port in circulation, and very much credited, which Madame Rumor says, 
the f^overuor has propairatcd ; he havinj^ seen Mr. Lovett run to avoid 
meeting his excellency, first from liCwis's and then from Gregory's, which 
induces many to believe that the patroon has deserted his post and is con- 
cealed safely at his home, and you here with us ! Mr. Van Vechtea says: 
' it is no joke, 1 am frequently asked about it!' " 

From the first. Gen. Van Rensselaer acted on the certain knowledge, 
that it was expected of him to make a descent upon Canada at the earliest 
possible period, lie knew that neither the government nor the country 
was prepared to be satisfied with defensive measures only. Notwithstand- 
ing this, the first glance he had of his position, after he reached the 
frontier, showed him at once, that nothing could be attempted, at least 
for a considerable period. Indeed his own condition was critical in the 
extreme, and even his ability to defend himself in case of attack, was 
more than doubtful. 

Gen. Dearborn, the commander of this entire district, had been ordered 
by the secretary of war, in his instructions of the 1st of August, to make 
a diversion in favor of Gen. Hull, at Niagara. There was no preparation 
to do anything effectual under this order. Before Gen. Van Rensselaer 
reached the frontier. Gen. Brock was on his way, with a competent force 
withdrawn from his posts on the Niagara, to meet Gen. Hull, leaving be- 
hind him, however, a force abundantly sufficient, with the reinforcements 
they were then receiving, for the protection of the posts he had left, against 
any attempt which could have been made on them on our part j sufficient 
even to have made it quite possible to carry the war to the American 
side of the river, with every prospect of advantage and success. 
. During the month which succeeded the disgraceful fall of Detroit and 
surrender of Gen. Hull, the condition and prospects of the army ygnre. on 
the whole, but little improved. There was, in nearly all this time, every 
reason to expect an attack. Every thing indicated great activity on the 
British side, and preparation for some signal blow. In the condition of 
Fort Niagara, it was natural to suppose that would be the first object. It 
is believed that an attack was only prevented by the show of defense which 
was set up. The mess house was unroofed and mounted with cannon, 
and a battery was planted on the bank of the river above the fort, while, 
in case of a hostile attempt, the safety of the tfoops was attempted to be 
provided for, by a new road cut through the woods at a distance from the 
river, in the rear. • 

" The general calls upon the troops under his command to make every 
effort in perfecting that discipline on which they must rely for their own 
safety and for their country s honour, in that crisis which may be fast 
approaching." 

Major General Brock's Proclamation. 
Proclamation hi/ Isaac Brock, Esq., Major General commanding his 
Majesty's forces in the Province of Upper Canada, &c., &c. 

Wherras the Territory of Michigan was this day by capitulation ceded 

to the arms of his Britannic Majesty without any other condition than the 

protection of private property ; and wishing to give an early proof of the 

moderation and justice of the government, I do hereby announce to all 

I the inhabitants of the said Territory, that the laws heretofore in existence 

*>« 



218 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

shall continue in force until his Majesty's pleasure be known ; or so long 
as'tl.e peace and safety of the said Territory will admit thereof; and I do 
herehy also declare and make known to the said inhabitants, that they 
sh-ill be protected in the full exercise and enjoyment of their religion : of 
which all persons, both civil and military will take notice, and govern 
themselves accordingly. All persons having in their possession, or bav- 
in" knowledge of any public property, shall forthwith deliver in the 
same, or give notice thereof to the officer commanding, or Lt. Col. Nichol, 
who are hereby authorized to receive and give proper receipts for the 
same. Officers of militia will be held responsible that all arms in posses- 
sion of militia men, be immediately delivered up; and all individuals 
whatever, who have in their possession arms of any kind, will deliver them 
up without delay. 

Given under my hand at Detroit, this sixteenth day of August, 1812, 
and in the fifty-second year of his Majesty's reign. 

(Signed) Isaac Brock, 

A true copy. Major General. 

J. Mac Donell, Lt. Col. Militia, P. A. D. C. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Al&xander. 
Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 26, 1812. 

Yesterday I wrote you, Mr. Van Vechten and Col. Westerlo, but what 
I wrote I cannot say: it was a day of turmoil, mortification and humilia- 
tion through our Camp. Such a flood as the consequences of Gen. Hull's 
surrender poured in upon us that it required considerable nerve to meet 
every thing: and unluckily, Col. Van Rensselaer had gone to BuflPalo to 
make some arrangements with Swift's Regiment which is getting down 
fast with sickness, and I might say too great a want of discipline. Yes- 
terday, the first we saw was a guard of about 50 men passing with some 
I waggons on the opposite shore: it was the victorious Brock returning to 
' Fort George. He sent over Col. McDonald, his Aid-de-Camp, and Major 
Kvans, two strapping lads in scarlet, gold and arms, to make a Communi- 
cation to GenerarVan Rensselaer. I went to meet them at an Inn near 
the shore to learn their pleasure; but finding it was general and verbal', 
it could not be received. They were, however, very modest, very respect- 
ful ; and altlio' I constantly barred any communication, they still kept bow- 
ing and snying that "Gen. Brock only wished to acquaint Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer " of this, and that, and that &c. t^c. In this way they convinced 
•lie that Brock had not learnt any thing of the Armistice until he arrived 
in this Neighbourhood. That but a very small force was left behind, that 
Brock, learning the Armistice felt very friendly disposition &c. I made 
my best bow, and scraped as fast as I could ; but a ^oov private Secretary, 
alovr against two such Scarlet-clad Champions, had, as you may suppose, 
an indifferent chance. We parted : but 1 think Gen. Van Rensselaer will 
shortly receive some written communication from Gen Brock. In the 
evening a number of Hull's Officers, on parole, visited Gen. V. R. They 
were very cautious of their words, but I could discern a degree of disaffec- 
tion towards Hull. Gen. Hull will probably be sent to Quebec. The 
Militia captured I understand are sent home, that's all. Indeed I have 
ni)t I'iflier time or patience to examine into this most nameless affair. I 
led what you may suppose. I need say no more. 

I was ever proud of my Country, and as an American could look any 
man, of Any Nation, at least horizontally in the face. But, yesterday, 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 219 

my eyes seemed to have acquired a new attachment to the ground. I sent 
Van Vechten a paper •iivloj; the iletail of the surrender; sent by an ex- 
press to overtake the Mail, hope he jrot it. And now, my friend, what 
think you of om?- situation ? It is true we are all tied up by the Armistice, 
but either party may throw it off by -i days notice. I don't believe the 
Enemy will throw it off. Nevertheless we have to cast about a little. 
This part of the Country now think their whole salvation rests upon our 
little raw army. I think I know the fact, that after Brock had taken 
Hull, he expressed his determination to return and take Niagara. I think 
his mind is altered by the Armistice : but he ran take Niagara any hour 
he pleases. Yes my friend, we can't defend Niagara one hour. And as 
for our present Camp, I now write with one eye on a single gun on yon 
hill in Queenston, which would rout us all in 3 minutes; and we have 
only two Grass-hoppers to return the fire. The Ohio Officers, prisoners, also 
were last evening with us, say that the Indians with lirock arc the finest 
fellows they ever saw, a size larger than they ever saw, they are commanded 
by the Prophet's l^rother Tecumsich, he is hourly expected at Fort George, 
7 miles from us, about near enongh, and it is said the tawny Host is to 
follow. Well ! be it so ; one thing our friends may be assured of, we are 
not scared yet. We shall never be Hulled. Our General is thoughtful 
but firm. We have been reconnoitering this morning; and shall probably 
this afternoon, fix upon a spot to which we shall remove in case the Armistice 
is broken ofl'. We have a piece of ground in view where our little force 
may make a tolerable stand, and then secure our retreat unless they flank 
us wider then I believe their force will admit. At any rate we will not be 
Hulled, they may pound us, or (/rind us. Be all of you of good cheer as 
respects us, and use the fate of the other army as you ought. Now don't 
let my good wife get fidgety about me in this new predicament tell her I 
am well, and can ruii like a Boy, and loill not he taken. I confess we are 
very solicitous to hear from Washington and know what we are to do, and 
take our measures accordingly. The night before last one of our rash 
Subalterns with a dozen men, went upon Bnckhorn Island, surprised a Ser- 
geant and 5 men and brought them off. We broke the Armistice ; but Gen. 
V.li. restored the men and wrote Gen. Sheaffe commanding Fort George 
and Dependencies &c. &c. &c. [Kites fly best with long tails,] 120 of 
Swifts little Reg. sick I told you so, but I am well. The d — 1 seems to 
have got into every body. I am still j j 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. "^^^"^ Lovett. 

General Orders. 

Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 28th, 1812. 

The army under the command of Brigadier General Hull has surren- 
dered at Detroit. This is a national disaster ; but it is the duty of i^oldiers 
to turn even disasters to profit. To this end the General calls upon the 
troops under his command to make every effort in perfecting that disci- 
pline on which they must rely for their own safety and for their country's 
honour, in that crisis which may be fast approaching. The General is 
persuaded that Americans know the inestimable rights which they enjoy ; 
and he confidently trusts, that their bravery to defend is in proportion to 
the knowledge they possess of those rights. The troops will be exercised 
at reveille, and from four o'clock in the afternoon, two hours instead of 
one, as mentioned in general orders of the 19th instant. 

Capt. Dogherty and Lieut. Hewit, of Col. Swift's regimeut, are released 



220 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

from their arrests, and will return to their duty. This renewed instance 
of clemency of the Major General, it is hoped, will be properly appre- 
ciated by them: it is not his wish to punish, but orders must and shall 
be obeyed. The unhealthy state of the troops under the command of 
Lieut. Col. Swift, at Black Rock, renders particular attention to them, 
and to the causes of their maladies, necessary. For this purpose Doctor 
lirown will associate with him Doctor Daniel Chipman ; and they will 
proceed, without delay, to that place, and make full inquiry into the situ- 
ation of the sick, the causes which have produced the diseases, and the 
manner in which they have been treated ; of all which they will make 
report, in writing, to the Major General ; suggesting the best mode, in 
their opinion, to restore those who are sick, and preserve the health of 
the well. These, and all other orders, are to be read by the Adjutants 
to the troops under the command oi' the Major General. The Command- 
ing OflBcers of regiments and corps will give orders accordingly. 

By order of Major General Van Rensselaer, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 

Major Lovett to Abraham Van Yechten. 
Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 28th August, 1812. 

It is an observation of Cicero's that " those things which we see with 
our eyes, make a deeper impression on our minds, and we longer retain 
them in our memory, than those things which we hear with our ears." 
Now Sir, in this letter, I shall have occasion to touch upon some things 
which I have seen, and I confess to you they have made a pretty deep im- 
pression on my mind. Things are bad enough now. I do not speak of 
our little Camp : we are snug, getting in fine order, and with infinite, un- 
ceasing industry preparing for the worst, while we hope for the best. I 
speak on the c/nieral settle of all things around us. Hull's surrender is to 
me incomprehensible. I had expected his destruction would be certain, 
but it has come in such a way as I did not expect. Three of his oflBcers 
Bay, he had a force of 2.200 ; the British all around assert that he has sur- 
rendered between 2,500 and 3,000 ; his provisions were ample for 3 more 
weeks ; of ordnance an d every munition of war he had abundance, yet he 
surrendered to a force vastly inferior, probably to 600 or 700 British 
Troops, and about the same number of Indians. He fired not a gun, and 
but one was fired at bin). Then whij did Hull surrender, is the question? 
No one here can answer. From his Officers, and all I have seen it appears 
that there was through the whole army a very great disaffection towards 
Hull. Cowardice is pretty generally imputed to him. Many allege cor- 
ruption, his officers seem greatly distressed at the character of the surren- 
der. Now the Consequences of this affair cast such a blot on the Amer- 
ican character as the tears of your children and mine and an hundred 
more generations can never sponge away. 

This event has cemented Canada beyond any thing you can conceive. 
It has a serious effect also on our Indians on the whole Frontier. The 
affair with Gen Harrison gave them the scent of blood and you may de- 
pctul on it, it has been well improved. Tecumsich the Prophet's Brother, 
a warrior of almost unbounded influence, now openly holds the language: 
that the Great Spirit iiitinded the Ohio River for the Boundary between 
his white and red children. That many of the first warriors have always 
thought HO : but a cloud hung over the eyes of the tribes and they could 
not sec what the Great Spirit meant. That Gen. Brock has now torn away 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 221 

that cloud, and the Indians see clearly that all the white people must go 
Icick east of the Ohio, and if one attempts to cross that river '■'■ Jnilinna 
I' ill cut their Toes off." Yesterday, I beheld such a sight as God kni)\vs, 
T never expected to see, and He only knows the sensations it created in my 
lieart. I saw my Countrymen, Free-born Americans, robbed of the inherit- 
ance which their dying Fathers bequeathed them, stripped of the arms 
which achieved our Independence and marching into a strange land by 
liundreds as black cattle for the market! ! 

Before and behind on the rightand on the left their prqjjd victors gleamed 
in arms, and their heads erect with the pride of victory. How many of 
(lur unfortunate Brethren were in this situation I know not; the road for 
inore than a mile is perfectly in our view I think the line, including wyg- 
niis, pleasure carriages etc. was half a mile long, scattered. The seusa- 
iiDiis this scene produced in our camp were inexpressible: mortification, in- 
dignation, fearful apprehension, suspicion, jealousy, dismay, rage, madness. 

It was a sad day with us, but the poor fellows last evening went on board 
tlie shipping and I presume passed over to York [Toronto.] I saw a gen- 
tleman wli* was present when Gen. Hull alighted from his carriage at Fort 
(leorge, hale, corpulent and apparently in high spirits, and hence will he 
ever return? He goes to Quebec. [" General Hull and the regular offi- 
( rs, and soldiers were reserved for the triumphant entry of the British 
llicers into Montreal and Quebec. Thither they were taken, and Hull 
liiuiself, seated in an old, ragged, open carriage, was drawn through the 
streets of x^lontreal, and thus exhibited as a rare show, to the natives there 
a.-^sembled."] Such the scenes before us; all eyes seem now turned on 
(ieneral Van Rensselaer, for direction and on our little army for defence. 
1 tell you that nothing but the njan who is now on the ground could pre- 
vent incalculable mischief in this quarter. It is his Respectability and 
character which effects all that is etfected, and I am proud to say, he is as- 
siduously, vigilantly and ably supported; we have plenty to do from the 
4 o'clock morning Gun until 9 at night. I acknowledge with many thanks 
the receipt of your letter of the "4th. The General and myself heartily ac- 
(|uiesce in the sentiments it contains : But you kill Solomon. Should you 
plume a Game-rock in the feathers of an Ostrich, it would not alter him : 
it could not. He would be a Game-cock still. He is a vastly valuable 
man in an Army. Our little Army improves very fast and under his dis- 
cipline, from 4 in the morning until 8 at night, something is constantly 
going on. 6, P. M. I had hoped for leisure to complete my letter, but 
the afternoon has been every moment taken up. 

I saw a gentleman who had this day seen one of Hull's Captains also 
openly and roundly asserted that Hull was a coward. That as soon as the 
first ^un was fired he sat down with his back against a solid protection. 
Don't forget my dear temporary widow and little ones; tell her I live 
like an Indian Chief in my Tent alone; and that my General has pro- 
mised to make me Governor of Michigan — if I will take it. 

Yours truly 
Abraham Van ¥echten, Esquire,'Albany. John Lovett. 

" On x\ugust 14, General Brock, the British commander in chief, took 
a position opposite Detroit, and began to fortify it by erecting batteries. 
On the next day he summoned Hull to surrender, which he utterly refused 
to do, in reply. Brock opened his batteries and threw bombs during the 
night, for the purpose of diverting Hull's atteatiou from wtat Brock was 



222 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

thcfi doinf^. In the morning; it was discovered that the enemy had landed 
at Spriii^wells. At the very momeDt, when every American in the army, 
except it's commander, was ready and anxious to begin the mortal combat; 
what were tlieir emotions when they were ordered into the fort and to lay 
.down their arms? They reluctantly obeyed, and a white flag was raised, 
on the fort. 

" Without shedding a drop of blood, without firing a single gun, the fort, 
with all its cannon, taken with Burgoyne, at Saratoga, from the British, 
with a vast amount of powder, lead, cannon balls, and all the munitions of 
war, all, all were surrendered, unconditio7mlli/ surrendered to the enemy. 

" Colonels Mc Arthur and Cass, with about four hundred of the very best 
troops, in the army, had been despatched (just at the very moment, they 
would be most needed) under the pretense of guarding the wagons, with 
the provisions, which Governor Meigs of Ohio, was forwarding to the 
army. These troops under McArthur and Cass had marched about forty 
miles into the country, among the whortleberry hills of Michigan and then 
marched back again, without seeing any provisions, until they had arrived 
within about nine miles of Detroit on their return. Here they were re- 
freshing themselves, on the products of some bee-hives and a fat steer, 
which they had just killed. Here they were met by a flag of truce borne 
by a British oflBcer, and a file of men, from whom they learned that they 
were prisoners of war ! They marched forward to Detroit, laid down their 
arms on the pavement, and were marched into the fort, which was then so 
crowded that there was scarcely room for them to lie down. Captain 
Brush who was guarding the provisions was included in the capitulation, 
as well as the provisions themselves but the militia who were marching to 
join Hull's army were allowed to return home. A salute was fired in the 
presence of Gen. Brock with one of the brass cannon included in the capi- 
tulation. It bore the inscription : ' Taken at Saratoga on the ITth of 
October mi.' When the British officers saw this, they were so delighted 
that some of them greeted the old British captive, now released, with 
kisses and remarked, 'we must have an addition put to that inscription, 
namely, Retaken at Detroit, August 16, 1812.' It was on this occasion 
General Brock paid marked respect to Tecumseh. He took ofi" his own 
rich crimson silk sash and publicly placed it round the waist of the chief. 
Tecumseh received it with dignity and great satisfaction. General Hull 
was afterwards tried for his conduct by a court martial viz. : First, for 
treason, second cowardice, and third, unofhcer like conduct. He was con- 
demned to death, but pardoned by the president." 

Q. M. Gen. Porter to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Manchester, Aug. 28th, 1812. 

Mr. Beard, the person whom I employed to go Express to Gen. Hull, 
has returned with your dispatches which I herewith enclose. On his 
arrival at Cayahoga he met several boats with the militia prisoners of 
Gcnl. Hull's army, & finding it useless, as well as impracticable to pro- 
ceed, he immediately returned. Mr. Beard informs that when these 
boats were fir.st discovered at and beyond Cayahoga, they were supposed 
to contain an Army of British & Indians, whose object it was to over-run 
the country, & E.xjjresscs with information to that eff"ect.were sent in every 
direction, & that the inhabitants were in a state of the greatest alarm & 
confusion k quitting their homes. 

Belbro .Mr, Board left Cayahoga, however, about 1,000 Militia had 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 223 

collected, and in the course of the day succeeding his departure, it was 
jiictty well ascertained that there would be about o,UUO men at that place, 
tdlerably armed & provided with ammunition, &, desirous of niarcliiiiji im- 
iiit'diately to J)etroit. That about 2,UU0 Kentuckians were on their march 
to re-entorce Genl. Hull, & it was hoped they would fall in with a party 
of Indians under Tccnmsfih, who, it was understood Irom our prisoners, 
had left Detroit to take Fort Wayne. Mr. Beard on his return took great 
]iains, & he thinks with effect to allay the fears of the inhabitants and 
induce them to remain at home. I send a copy of Genl. Hull's capitula- 
tion. Major Cuyler has taken the Capitulation to copy & will send it to 
you. Yours respectfully 

Maj. Genl. Van Rensselaer. Pkter B. Pouter. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to Governor Tomjjkins. 

Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, Aug. 31, 1812. 

Presuming that the surrender of General Hull's arniy has been officially 
announced to your Excellency through the proper channel, I shall not 
enter into my details upon the event so disastrous to our country : its 
consequence must be ielt every where ; but they are peculiarly distressing 
upon these frontiers, both to the citizens, and the little army under my 
command. Alarm pervades the country, and distrust among the troops. 
They are incessantly pressing for furloughs, under every possible pretence. 
Many are without shoes ; all clamorous lor pay. Many are sick. Swift's 
regiment at Black Rock are about one-fourth part down. I have ordered 
Doctor Brown to associate Doctor Chapiii with him, and to examine as to 
the causes producing the diseases, the mode of treating them, &c., and to 
report to me their opinion of the best mode of restoring the sick, and pre- 
serving the health of those who remain well. This duty they are now 
performing. 

Captain Jennings has been tried by a court-martial, and found guilty 
of such charges as forfeited his commission ; and I have approved the 
sentence. The proceedings, in form, will soon be forwarded to your 
Excellency. 

While we are thus growing daily weaker, our enemy is growing stronger. 
They hold a very commanding position on the high ground above Queens- 
town, and they are daily strengthening themselves in it, with men and 
ordnance. Indeed, they are fortil'ying almost every prominent point, 
from Fort Erie, to Fort George. At present we rest upon the armistice ; 
but should hostilities be recommenced, I must immediately change my 
position. I receive no reinforcements of men, no ordnance, or munitions 
of war. I must hope, that I shall not long be left in this situation. . ' 

Two gentlemen, Messrs. Johnson and Bascom, came over in a flag to 
the garrison, at Niagara, and the first I knew of them they were in my 
camp. Being satisfled that they were American citizens, men of intelli- 
gence, and some standing in society. 1 permitted them to pass on, with 
orders to report themselves to your Excellency. 

There is one fact, which though not immediately connected with my 
department, I cannot refrain from mentioning; the unfortunate soldiers 
of General Hull's army, who marched by my camp on their way to Lower 
Canada, are very destitute of clothing. Every consideration would urge 
that some attention should be paid to their condition. 

I have the honour &c., 

His Excellency Governor Tompkins. 



224 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The Captain Jennings mentioned in the above letter " made himself 
faui.ius, at one time, for his poetical order on Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins, 
which iias been related as follows : The officers had^met to prepare a re- 
quisition letter to the governor, for two field pieces.* " While discussing 
the form in which to address so distinguished a man, one of the judges, 
at that time doing duty on the bench, made a bantering wager with Capt. 
JenniniTS that the ordnance could be procured on an order, the form of 
which should be dictated by him. The judge walked up to the desk, 
seized the pen and forthwith produced the following. 

' Great Daniel D., we send to thee 
For two great guns and trimmings : 

Send them to hand, or you'll be d d. 

By order of Capt. Jennings.' 

" This of course created a good deal of amusement ; and though it was 
not officially sent to the governor, as the ordnance was obtained through a 
regular order, the story was too good to be kept; the governor, who was 
fond of a good joke, in some way learned of the incident, and was also 
aware that his friend the judge, had a hand in it. Some of the officers 
in this company were rewarded for gallant services in the war, by promo- 
tion, and they, with others, sent to Albany for their commissions. On 
calling for them at the proper office, the judge learned that they we reall 
made out and lacked only the signature of the governor. To facilitate 
the business he oflPered to take them himself to his excellency, who, on 
receiving them, placed his autograph to the documents, one after the 
other, till coming to one belonging to Capt. Jennings's company, he stopped 
and very gravely inquired : ' Is this by order of Capt. Jennings.' " 

" The company lately under the command of Captain Jennings, in 
Lieut. Col. Swift's regiment, had become so clamorous for pay, and con- 
tended so strenuously that their time had expired, that I have ordered 
them to be dismissed, in the opinion that this would meet your excellency's 
approbation. I was strengthened by learning from Brigadier General 
Brown, that Lieut. Col Bellinger's regiment, who were on the same 
standing in service, at Sackett's Harbour, have been discharged by your 
order." 

Col. Van Rensselaer to his wife. 
Dear Harriet, Lewiston 1st September, 1812. 

I wrote you yesterday from this place by the mail, in which letter I 
gave you an account of all that was passing here, this day we received an 
Express from Genl. Dearborn that the Armistice was at an end. But at 
the time he was despatched from Green Bush they knew nothing of the 
Surrender of General Hull and his Army, and what effect that informa- 
tion will have on the measures of a weak and despicable General and 
Government, time only will determine. We shall at all events go on and 
make all the arrangements in our power to meet the Crisis which in all 
probability is approaching. If nothing is done it will not be our fault, 
but that of Government; by Express and by almost every Mail the 
Governor and Genl Dearborn have been informed of our situation * * * 
The cxpres.« Lt. Smith returns immediately to Albany by whom I send 
this, I c(»uld not let him leave this without again expressing my anxiety 
for your health and happine.'^s. I am all solicitude on your account and 
wi.sh sincerely I was with you until that certain e ent was over, but keep 
up your .«pints and think of your children and me. I hope happier and 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 225 

more comfortable times will attend us. Our General is more than fond 
of me, he leaves evcrytliiiii; to me and has not on any occasion found 
fault; he is very amiable and I can truly say of him, what he has on many 
occasions said of me that " I did not know the man." Lovett and myself 
live like Brothers, and if I could be but informed of your true situation 
I should be happy, as far as the late unhappy event at home would suffer 
me to be, but the Clover-lot is ever before me. Kiss the children for me 
and attend to your health. Kemember me to all friends and believe me 
in whatever situation I am placed, I am ever the same to you, your affec- 
tionate & sincere o tt r> 

TV, ir Tj 1 nf X XT oOL. VAN Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Van Kensselaer, Mount Hope. 

On September 1st, four or five vessels arrived at Fort George with 
troops from Montreal and the enemy, flushed with victory, were every 
moment on the alert. '" They hold a very commanding position over above 
us in Queenstowu, and are strengthening it with men and cannon. In- 
deed every prominent point from Fort Erie to Fort George looks saucy." 
Colonel Fenwick had not arrived, when orders were received from Gen. 
Dearborn, to put an end to the armistice. He was, however, as it turned 
out, then approaching his place of destination, and the first relief Gen. 
Van Rensselaer experienced, was in the arrival of Col. Fenwick, with 
ordnance and stores, on the 4th day of September. He was directed, out 
of abundant caution to land at the Four Mile creek, instead of attempting 
to reach Fort Niagara. Early in September, Gen. Van Rensselaer was 
advised by General Dearborn, that the enemy was preparing to make an 
effort to reduce this army to the mortifying situation of Geu. Hull's and 
that he must be ready " to make good a sure retreat." The abandonment 
of the fort was also expressly recommended, and the fear expressed, that, 
if retained, it would prove a trap for the garrison, for examinations had 
shown that it was utterly untenable and indefensible against a serious at- 
tack. The importance, however, of maintaining all his positions, led the 
general to the determination to put forth every effort and energy, to this 
effect, and to adopt the unalterable resolution to dispute every inch of 
ground with his adversary, in case of an attempt to dislodge him. The 
letters written a few days later to Gen. Dearborn and Gov. Tompkins show 
tfce condition of things as well as the opinions and resolution of the com- 
manding general. 

General Orders. 

Head Quarters, Lewiston, 4th Sept., 1812. 

The Major General announces to the troops, that, agreeable to an order 
received irom Major General Dearborn, the armistice entered into between 
him and the Governor General of Upper and Lower Canada will be ter- 
minated at twelve o'clock, at noon, on the eighth day of September instant. 

The troops under his command will, however, understand, explicitly, 
that they are not to act offensively without previous orders from him; but 
to be vigilant in their duty, and ready to execute any command they 
may receive when a proper occasion presents itself. The troops will strike 
their tents tomorrow morning at reveille: the tents, tent-poles, and bag- 
gage, will be packed up, ready to move, in one hour from that time. The 
Quarter Master will measure the space necessary for a double row of tents 
for each company, and furnish the necessary transportation. 

29 



226 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

A fatigue party, of a sergeant, corporal, and twelve men, will attend 
at the same time at head quarters. 

By order of the Major General Van Rensselaer, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 

An express had been sent to Col. Fenwick, to land at Four Mile creek. 
This precaution was taken lest the armistice might have been terminated 
below, or some accident might throw the cargo into the hands of the 
enemy. As soon as this was effected, and in the same morning, having 
been charged with the delivery of the notice terminating the armistice, 
to the British commandant, I crossed over from the fort to discharge the 
duties of this mission, which I did in a personal interview with General 
Sheaffe. Col. Van R. had been vigilant and observing regarding the 
condition of the enemy. 

Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to Major Gen. Brock. 
Sir, Head-Quarters, Lewiston, Sept. 4th, 1812. 

]?y the articles which I had the honour to conclude with Major Gen. 
Sheaffe on the 21st ult., for the government of the troops of the United 
States under my command, and his Brittanic Majesty's forces on this 
frontier, during the temporary armistice, it was, among other things, 
stipulated that " the party icho shall first receive orders for the reneica of 
hostilities shall give four clays' notice., computing twenty four hours to each 
day, before any offensive operation shall take place." 

Having now received orders to terminate the armistice, in conformity 
to the above recited stipulation, I have the honour to transmit you this 
notice, that the armistice will be terminated at twelve o'clock, at noon, on 
Tuesday, the eighth day of September, inst. 

I have the honour, &c. 

S. Van Rensselaer. 

Major Gen. Isaac Brock or officer commanding Fort George. 

Major Gen. Sheaffe to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, . Fort George, 5th Sept., 1812. 

1 have the honour of receiving your communication, signifying the in- 
tention on the part of the United States of renewing hostilities, after four 
days shall have elapsed from the period at which the notice was given. 
Thus declaring that the armistice shall terminate at twelve o'clock at 
noon on the eighth day of this September. 
1 have the honour, &c. 

R. H. Sheaffe, Maj. Gen. H. B. M. forces. * 
Major Gen. Van Rensselaer, commanding Frontiers. 

Col. Van Rensselaer to Abraham Van Vechten. 
My dear Sir, Lewiston, 5th September, 1812. 

Thi.s Evening Mr. Swan arrived in three days from Albany on Express 
from Gen. Dearborn, with Information that a large body of British Troops 
hud left Montreal for the opposite bank of this River and Cautioning 
Gen. V. K. to guard against a Surprise from them, aud if hard pressed to 
make a Sale retreat, his caution against a surprise is unnecessary, and as 
for a retreat wc t^hull not think of, until we have tried some blustering 
J)cmocrat8 who pretend to be full of fighting and crossing the River, but 
their opinions as to crossing no attention will be paid to, until it is proper 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 227 

we should come to Action, and then they yrWl be brought to a Close one. 
With the ("orce which arrived yesterday under the Command of Lt. Col. 
Fenwick, we have in the aggregate of Regular Troops and Militia two 
thomand two hundred men Detached on a frontier of forty miles, from 
Fort Niagara to Buffalo. While the British have opposed to us (besides 
the force Dearborn speaks of) from every information we can get, and 
from their appearance every day in our view, at least that number of 
Regular Troops, with strong Batteries at every Crossing point to meet and 
of these there are but very few owing to the extreme height of the Banks. 

In short we are deficient in almost everything: four 18-pounders, two 
twelve-pounders; eight Six's; and two four's, are all the Ordnance we 
have for the defence of this Line ; two six's honey-combed, some of them 
without Shot and six without Harness. Fort Niagara not tenable (you 
all suppose it impregnable. Not so, it cannot be maintained 15 minutes), 
and the Stores are now Removing with a view to abandon it, and in this 
place Capt. Leonard buried two 13 Inch Mortar and Six 8^ Inch How- 
itzers for the want of Shells. 

No Surgical Instruments, lint, bandage or Hospital Stores; no forage 
and no Quarter Master. Peter B. Porter has been only twice in Camp 
f-iiice we have been here, and instead of getting the feast ready, is attend- 
ing to his private affairs ; he is an abominable Scoundrel, and I have made 
no Secret in telling his friends so. [This difficulty was all made up, they 
were good friends many years before death.] 

I have written at least a dozen letters to Harriot without receiving a 
lino from her since I left home. She certainly must be ill or perhaps 
something worse, pray let me beg of you to Remove the weight that hangs 
on my mind on her account, by informing me Candidly and Explicitly of 
her Situation. The recollection of the late overwhelming event at home, 
I fear has been too much for her, remove my anxiety and put me at rest. 

Phil's letter has alarmed me, and his is the only one I have received. 
I look with much Solicitude for the Mail on Monday. You must excuse 
nie for not writing to you before ; the Detail of the Camp, and Every 
thing in Relation to the Troops, takes up all my time, I have no one to 
assist me. Adieu, present my best respects to Mrs. Van Vechten and 
those who ask or think about me. But above all comfort my poor Harriot, 
my heart lileeds for her, and be assured that in whatever situation I am 
placed, I am your affectionate and Sincere friend. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Hon. Abraham Van Vechten. Esq., Albany, N. Y. 

Mrs. Van Rensselaer to Tier Husband. 
My Dear Solomon, Mount Hope, Sept. 6th, 1812. 

The enclosed, first effort of a letter by our dear boy Rensselaer, is so 
expressive of the child's feelings, I must copy it and say as he does " I 
know not what to write." I am much pleased with this first production 
of his pen, and had better send it for your gratification. 

Samuel says, he* was well satisfied to stay at school and that Rev. Mr. 
Huntington had a great opinion of his abilities, which he thought had not 
been sufficiently improved, but was sure that after awhile he would be 
all he could wish. How cheering for a moment to my poor afflicted 
heart, which has been so excessively oppressed, has had no comfort since 
that trying hour when the most awful of all our many calamities befell 
us, and then your departure with great anxiety -on your account gives an 



228 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

additional weight. The innumerable perplexities in which your absence 
at this season involves me, with the farm work, cannot in spite of every 
effort banish from my mind's eye, the awful, the distressing sight of our 
sweet little " Van," when you carried him from the field bleeding and 
dying in your Arms ! Trifles, as well as objects around, continually remind 
me of what he was, and I am indeed most wretched ; this is a grievous 
subject, but no other can I dwell upon, or reflect on. It seems to harrow 
my very Soul, and not till called upon by the Great Original of All, can 
happiness be again my portion, it is dashed to the earth here, but to that 
final hour I look with confidence. Oh that I could be near you at the 
present time. The active scenes in which you are engaged, must of 
course, be some relief to your depressed spirits ; besides, the fortitude you 
possess, I trust, will support you in every situation ; and should Heaven 
in Mercy (at my confinement) remove me, enable you to do your duty to 
your dear children, and soon reconcile you to a separation from your most 
miserable Wife. Arriet Van Rensselaer. 

Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, Lewiston. 

Previous to the departure for the frontier, on May 29, a promising 
youth of about six years of age, named Van Vechten, son of Colonel 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, being in company with an elder brother in a 
field near the dwelling house of their father at Mount Hope, in the town 
of Bethlehem, was shot through the bead and almost instantly expired. 
A shot was heard as from a musket, and the unfortunate youth immedi- 
ately fell, having received the contents of the musket through the ear 
into the brain. 

Immediately after a man was observed with a musket, who in great 
haste traversed the clear field, and ran into an adjoining wood. It was' 
the work of an insane man, and that reckless act left a sad void in the 
hearts of those loving parents, and in that once happy home. This 
seemed the climax to repeated trials very hard to pass through without a 
murmur; strong faith in Jesus triumphed over all these seeming ills, and 
neither of those afflicted parents ever flagged in the path of duty. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 6 Sept., 1812. 

Having been up nearly all night in preparing Dispatches for Swan's 
return. I have no opportunity to write you anything more than that we 
are living in dews, rains and cold. I have got hardened almost to the 
hide, muscles and houghs of an ox, and am in perfect health, tho' our 
tent lad kicked tlie Bucket last night. Our situation is becoming, daily, 
more and more ivtcrestlng to say the least of it. I do not know that I 
ought, yet, to call it critical : though I know that some think it so. 
\yhat may be the views of the Enemy we know not, they are flushed with 
victory, and concentrating their forces very fast against us. The Armistice 
will be terminated by our notice at Noon on the 8th Inst. To sum all 
up in one, I should say that from present appearances, we must either 
fight or run, or both in a few days. This camp^ which is within half 
point blank shot of the enemy, we shall quit to-morrow morning, the 
order is given to strike Tents at Reveille. We shall not quit the neigh- 
borhood ; but seek a safer place. Things look rather squally all around 
just at present, but it may clear off again. There are some pretty strong 
reasons to believe that Brock is preparing to Hull us. I don't know bu^ 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 229 

he may, but Albany blond runs pretty steady yet. We have removed 
most of the stores Iroui Fort Niagara, and are throwing: up a IJattery on 
this side in which we mean to place 4 Eighteen Pounders. 

The Enemy are extending their works at Fort George ; and I under- 
stand as the light increases, that our soldiers discover some new works 
began last night opposite to us here. 

My General is well, firm, brave, and prudent. Solomon would fight all 
the while if he could get chances, and I rather expect he will soon get 
enough of it. Col. Fenwick with the Cannon and stores have arrived 
safe. We worked John Bull in the little Armistice treaty and got more 
than they expected. 

Glory to the Constitution and her Crew for the Battle. ["The Frigate 
Guerriere has been captured and sunk by the U. S. Frigate, Constitution, 
Capt. Hull."] 

Did you ever live in a Tent? How nice, and cool they are towards 
day, when you begin to draw up your legs: or as we Soldiers would say 
" Call in your OuT PoSTS I" 

We have a curious (ild Quiz of a Chaplain but I remember this part of 
his prayer ; " In the arms of faith and love we desire to bear before thee, 
God, our wives and dear little ones whom we have left at home : pre- 
serve them, and in thine own due time restore us to them. But if thou 
hast determined in thy holy providence that any of us shall meet them 
no more, in this world, ! may we meet them above in thy great family " 
Now this was well said and we all felt it. Don't, Don't forget my Wife 
and Children, nor suS'er them to be lonely. Keep their spirits up. It 
was right that I came, it is right that I stay. When I write you again I 
hope to give a better account, moving a Camp is always perplexing. 
Only one solitary letter have I received, don't you write, or do the rascals 
rob me ? • Yours very truly, 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. 

John Lovett to Abraham Van VecJiten. 
My Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston Sept. 8, 1812. 

Colonel Van Rensselaer has been with General Wadsworth the whole 
day at Niagara, and I have been on the jump from dawn of day to this 
5 P. M. Brock has returned from York to Fort George and the Enemy 
are certainly very active, but whether they contemplate defensive or ofl'ens- 
ive measures it is impossible to say. It would seem that in our situation 
■we might with facility obtain information of the enenly's force and move- 
ments. Not so^ Not a soul will risk his neck from this side among them, 
and those who come over are such Scamps, no trust. We have moved 
our Camp from the River to the Ridge Road. In short, the enemy hav- 
ing put Hull out of the way, have it in their power to turn their whole 
force against us. Our poor fellows are patient, patriotic and exceedingly 
attached to their General ; they swear lie can't be bribed, and to tell you 
the real truth, this Confidence is all that saves us from every sort of dis- 
grace. We are calm, self-collected, and determined to act as near Riijht 
as we can. But God only knows how we shall come out. A great fever 
is coming on, I understand, but no pay, no shoes, no any thing. 

The General has gone to have a Talk with the Tuscarora Tribe this 
afternoon. The Armistice terminated at 12 o'clock, and no movement is 
made. We are all well, Don't be alarmed. We shall never disgrace our- 



230 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

selves, Albany or our Country. Don't let my Wife get alarmed, I shall 
eat my New Year's Dinner with her if she is not starved out. 

Yours truly, 

Abraham Van Vechten, Esq., Albany. John Lovett. 

Hon. Abraham Van Vechten to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir Albany September 10, 1812. 

I saw Harriet on Sunday. She & Adaline dined with us. Sanders 
says the Family are all in good health. Harriet will write you. The 
depression of her Spirits is not removed, tho' I trust considerably allevi- 
ated. Her fortitude does not fail her, and her avocations occupy every 
moment of her time. She wishes you to send me a line for Rensselaer. 
Your Situation is I fear critical. At least so we apprehend here. But 
it is attributed to the true cause, and the result, if disastrous, will be charged 
to the acct. of those who ought to answer for it. Remember my Friend 
that the honor of a Soldier is not to be maintained in battle only. Sound 
discretion is an essential part of true valor; when more real good is to be 
attained hy a timely & safe retreat than by fighting every consideration of 
military duty requires that the former course should be adopted. Beware 
of being Hull'd is the admonition of all your Friends, but I add, do not 
forget that an unequal & disadvantageous conflict may involve equal dis- 
grace, ^because it may draw upon you the imputation of rashness. Should 
it eventuate in a severe defeat the consequences will be more extensively 
calamitous. Your troops want every thing, except I hope personal Cour- 
age, to cope with the force amassing against you want of discipline will 
make a defeat dreadful, because it cuts off every hope of rallying. We 
hope no news beyond what the papers which the bearer takes and my letters 
to Lovett contain. Yours Sincerely. 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Head Quarters Lewiston. 

Capt. 1. Whistler to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, Presque Isle 11th Sept., 1812. 

On the 8th inst. I arrived at this place with my family, myself in a 
bad state of health, at present I feel much better and tomorrow shall pro- 
ceed on my journey for Pittsburgh. Please accept of my warmest thanks 
for the civilities I have received from you. On my arrival at Black Rcok 
I made application to Genl. Porter for a waggon ; he made every effort 
to procure me one but failed. He then sent the same one you sent with 
me; and I must confess the driver is the best man I had ever known in 
the public service, a human man, he treated my family with every attention, 
he left here on his return on the ninth. This moment I have seen a letter 
from (iunl. Wad^worth of the State of Ohio to Genl. Keler of this Post, 
in which he mentioned the capture of Fort Dearborn at Chigkaga, and 
nearly all the Garrison put to the sword, and the enemy are now erecting 
a Garrison at the rapids of the Miamy, and a large Force of Indians are 
on their way against Fort Wayne and Vincennes in great expectation of 
success. 

Tho enemy have left four of the 24 Pounders at Maiden ; the other 5 
24 pounders they have shipped to Fort George this is all the News I have 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 231 

at present to comiDunicatc. the latter I expect you ought to be made ac- 
quainted with. I think from the large body of Indians whicli have gone 
to Fort Wayne, you have nothing to fear as to Indians. My best respects 
to the Colonel and all the Gentlemen of your Army «fc believe me &c. &c. 

J. WUISTLER. 

Capt. Whistler was an old revolutionary officer, was taken with Gen. 
Hull, paroled, landed with wife and six children at Fort Niagara. Gen. V. 
R. sent a public wagon with hiuj to Black Hock he was bound lor Pitts- 
burgh. 

Col. Van Rensselaer to Oenerai Lewis — Oloomy State of Affairs at Lewiston. 
My dear Sir, Head Quarters Sept 11, 1812. 

To you I am fully persuaded I can write with Confidence on the State 
of affairs in this quarter, and if you think the Interest of the Service will 
be promoted by a disclosure of my name, you are at liberty to make any 
use of it you please, whatever inconvenience it may put me to, for I 
Shall State Facts and those only. 

Since the Surrender of General Hull, it has been the Study of John C. 
Spencer, Col. Brooks, Q. Mr. General Porter and Several others to cause 
confusion and di.strust among the Troops on this Frontier to answer party 
purposes against the Commander. ^J'hey have so far succeeded in the Camp 
and the Country, that in the former it is only whispered, but in the Latter 
it is openly said, that Gen. Van Rensselaer is a traitor to his Country and 
the Surrender of the Army when it crosses the River is the price of his 
Infamy. Honestand Honorable men must regret thisdepravity in human 
nature; those scoundrels know better, and you and I know that a more 
Honest man does not exist; and one who has the Interest of his Country 
more at heart. But with all his amiable qualities, his usefulness here in 
my opinion is destroyed ; by this unjust and unwarrantable jealousy. He 
cannot enforce that Subordination which is so necessary to the safety and 
glory of the Troops he Commands. If Gen. Armstrong or any other man 
of the same politics with the Government did Command here, this difficulty 
would be Removed ; there is a field of glory in view for any man of Ambi- 
tion, which Gen. V. R. as well as myself would regret to forego, if Necesity 
did not Compel us, it would be well if Gen. Dearborn could with propriety 
remove him to New York or some other place, where his services may be 
equal to his Sacrifices in private life. We are Encamped at this place 
with two Regiments of Militia, to guard the most, important pass on the 
river. Col. Fenwick with the Regular troops in and about Fort Niagara. 
Col. Blooms, lately come on, at Niagara Falls and Col. Swifts at Black Rock. 

The whole effective force of Militia including Officers you will find by 
the within return amounts to lG3o fit for duty. W^e are in want of almost 
every thing. Our Quarter Master Peter B. Porter is speculating and at- 
tending to mischief and his private afi'airs ; he speaks in very disrespect- 
ful terms of Mr. Madison, and trys to impress on the I'ninds of the people 
the necessity of a change of men. But notwithstanding these discourag- 
ing prospects, we shall do what men under these Circumstances can. A 
strung IJattery has been thrown up a mile above Fort Niagara, and imme- 
diately opposite Fort George, in which the four heavy cannon have been 
placed, and contrary to the opinion of Col. Fenwick when he first came 
on, we will attempt to maintain the Fort which will be all important to 
our luture operations. The roof has been taken from a large stone house 
and on the third floor two twelve pounders and a howitzer placed. This 



232 Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 

battery Commands Fort George and four Batteries in its vicinity ; and if 
a parapet of earth well rammed, on the inside of the two and half feet stone 
wall was thrown up, it might bid defiance to the enemy, but unfortunately 
Col. Feuwick and Capt. Leonard are too much addicted to liquor to attend 
to this duty as they should, and if they were removed from this Command, 
it would "-ive rise to much greater dissensions. Besides we have no one 
as fit for this all important service as Col. Fenwick, if he was at all times 
himself Last Tuesday at 12 o'clock the Armistice ceased, on which, we 
supposed that the enemy would open their Batteries of at least fifty pieces 
on our lines. Gen. Van Rensselaer continued here in order to move the 
Troops to any point that might be attacked, while I went to the Garrison 
belpw. I found on my arrival all in confusion. I immediately ordered a 
strong detachment to clear a Battery in the Stone house, while others were 
dismounting the two twelves and a Howitzer, and getting them on the 
platform, to the Command of which Capt. Leonard's Company was assigned. 
The two Block houses, in each of which are Six pounders, Capt. McKeon's 
Company was to Defend. All this was accomplished by twelve, at that 
hour our works, as well as the British, were manned, the Matches burn- 
ing and I expected every moment to see the Rafters of the old mess-house 
knocked about my head, but I was disappointed and we have been ever 
since in peace and preparing, with little trouble to make it as strong as any 
work can be, and ready for action. I inclose the last Buffalo paper. 
I have the honor to be Respectfully Yours, 
Major Gen. Morgan Lewis. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Major Cuyler to Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, • Buffalo 16th Sept, 1812. 

I enclose you a return of the Ordnance, &c. at Buffalo agreeable to 
Major Gen. Van Rensselaer's request by Lt. Gansevoort ; immediately 
on the receipt of which, 1 waited on Genl. Porter and requested a return 
from him of the Ordnance at the Rock, Equipage, fixed & unfixed am- 
munition which he promised to make me last night ; failing so to do, I 
this morning addressed a Note to him & sent my Servant, who finding he 
had left the Rock for Lewiston, rode on & overtook him & delv'd my note. 
1 have not been furnished with a Return from him. I beg you to assure 
Genl. Van Rensselaer, that as speedily as possible after I am furnished 
with an account of what was required, I shall lose no time in making a 
Return to him. Lt. Gansevoort will inform you of some alarms we have 
had ; my General will communicate to yours. We send you three Pri- 
soners from the Queen Charlotte who we have reason to expect have come 
over with improper views. Lt. Gansevoort has charge of them, & will of 
course take them to Head Quarters. In all things depend upon my most 
prompt and cordial Co-operation, I am not yet enabled to make a return 
of tlie force at the Rock & this place owing to the irregularity of Returns 
made to me which 1 am endeavouring to correct as speedily as possible. 
It shall be made as soon as possible. Yourobedt. Servt. 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 




Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 233 



Oen. Brock to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Fort George IGth Sept. 1812. 

I have the honor to transmit an Extract ' of a letter which I have this 
morning received from Captain Dyson of the United States Regiment of 
Artillery. The Prisoners of War under his charge are in such a deplora- 
ble state for want of clothing, that I am led to hope no difficulty will be 
made to their receiving from Fort Niagara the necessaries they consider 
as their property. 

The number of Women and Children who have accompanied the Detach- 
ment from Detroit is so great that it will be necessary to land them on 
the opposite shore, where they cannot fail meeting with that protection 
and support their distressed situation requires, but which existing cir- 
cumstances prevent being afforded to them on this side. 

I have the honor &c., With the highest respect, 

Major General Van Rensselaer. 

Extract of a Letter from Oen. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Dearborn. 

Head Quarters, Lewiston, 17th Sept., 1812. 
The situation of my little army is becoming every day more and more 
interesting, and I believe existing circumstances would fully warrant me 
in saying critical. As soon as our operations at and near Fort Niagara 
indicated a disposition to maintain the garrison, the enemy became ex- 
ceedingly active. New works were thrown up, and old ones modified to 
meet us at every point. Their worts appear now to be all completed, and 
they are daily receiving very considerable reinforcements of men. Ijast 
evening, the Royal George arrived at Fort George, with about two hun- 
dred artillerists. About one hundred boats, loaded with stores for the 
British army in Upper Canada, have lately passed up the St. Lawrence. 
Two regiments of troops are also on their way up, and I am induced to 
believe that those lately arrived at Fort George, are detachments from 
those regiments. The information which you had received on the subject 
of the enemy's reinforcements and destination, was undoubtedly correct. 
Troops are also coming down from Fort Maiden to Fort Erie. Indeed 
there can be no possible doubt, that the enemy are very actively engaged 
in concentrating their forces to act in this vicinity. When the scene of 
action will open, I know not; it probably cannot be far distant. Such 
movements of the enemy have been observed for three or four days past, 
as hjive induced many to believe, that the hour of attack was at hand. 
On the 13th instant, boats were engaged in putting a considerable de- 

' Extract alluded to, of Capt. Dyson's letter : " Permit me Sir, to mention to you 
the situation of the Prisoners under my command. They have received no cloth- 
iaff from the Qovemraent since last October, and are ahnost destitute of every 
article of the kind. I understand there are six Casks of Clothinir, an Invoice of 
which I have in ray possession, and was destined for Detroit for my Company, are 
now lyin^if at Fort Niagara. If there could be any arraujjferaent between the two 
governments, so as to get them across, it would relieve the suffering Prisoners 
much. I also take the liberty to mention there are several men among them old, 
infirm, and unfit for any kind of Military service; and some with large families 
of children. If they could obtain a parole to go to the States, it would be a great 
relief to them. I have the honor to be &c. &c. 

Saml. T. Dyson, 

Capt. U. S. Reg. Artil. 

30 



234 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. , 

tachment of troops on board a ship, which, at evening, got under way 
iroui Fort George and stood out into lake Ontario. \ , , , 

It was apprehended that these troops were, that night, to be landed on 
the south side of the lake, in the rear of our guards. The night before 
last the enenay moved some boats from the landing at Queenstown, down 
the 'river. This excited alarm, and late last nisht a rumour ran through 
the camp, that the garrison was actually summoned to surrender. I only men- 
tion these things to show you what apprehensions prevail. Should the enemy 
attack, I have' every reason to believe we shall be very severely pressed ; 
but so' serious will be the consequences of any retrograde movement, or a 
total abandonment of Fort Niagara, that, upon mature consideration of all 
circumstances, I have determined to hold, if possible, my present position, 
and dispute every inch of ground. My force bears no proportion to the 
duties required ; besides, the discipline of the troops is not such as to 
warrant perfect reliance, and many of our arms are not fit for action. 
These are considerations which you, sir, and my fellow citizens will do me 
the justice to bear in mind, whatever result may happen. 

For the application of the means entrusted to me, I hope I shall be able 
to justify myself to my country. My greatest fear is, that the troops 
destined to reinforce me, will not join me in season. In every calculation 
heretofore made upon my reinforcements, both as to time and strength, I 
have been disappointed. Col. Bloom's regiment, which was reported to 
me before its arrival, for seven hundred, is but little more than four hun- 
dred. I am erecting a store-house and magazine upon the high grounds, 
in the rear of my camp ; but for want of teams, tools, and nails, the 
work proceeds but slowly ; we build with logs, and rive our shingles from 
bolts of oak. It is with extreme difficulty we can procure teams upon any 
emergency. The horses of the cavalry and flying artillery are badly sup- 
plied with hay, and as for grain they are almost entirely destitute. 1 have 
con)pleted the road through the woods, from my camp to the garrison. 
Amidst all our diflSculties, this is the most cheering day for the troops 
■which I have witnessed, their clamor for pay has been high and incessant. 
I felt many of its bad consequences, and apprehend still greater, but as- 
surances now received that their pay is near seems to elate them. 

By the Beturn of Ordnance which I yesterday received from Fort 
Niagara I discover that our two Mortars are 10^ inches, instead of 13^ as 
Capt. Leonard's Memorandum to me states them, the Shells will be cal- 
culated accordingly. I have enclosed a copy of a letter which I last night 
received from General Hull. On the same subject I yesterday received a 
communication from General Brock, covering an Extract of a letter from 
Capt. Dyson of the United States Regiment of Artillery to him, and I 
this morning sent Col. Van llensselaer to Fort George when he had an 
interview with Capt, Dyson's and such arrangements have been made that 
Capt. Dyson's Company will this day receive their clothing from Fort 
Niagara: the other Companies, in Quebec, I learn from General Brock's 
letter, are in great distress for want of clothing. 

I have the Honor, &c. 
Major General Dearborn. 

" And, to cheer up our hearts, we have picked up a Birch Bark, on 
which is written a Notice from the Soldiers to the Ofiicers of this little 
army that unless they were paid, they would absolutely quit the field in 8 
da} 8 I'rom that time." 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 235 

Col. Fenwick- to Gen. Van Rensadaer. 
Sir, Fort Niagara, Sept. 18, 1812. 

Yesterday afternoon was Sent over in a Flag eleven Women and nine- 
teen Children, their Situation is a distressing one, there is also a Fit'er of 
the 1st U. S. Infantry, he brings from Gen Brock no Pass or Certificate. 
I know not in what light to view them. I beg your Instructions respect- 
ing these People, I don't think it prudent to leave them here. Your 
order revoking the Sentence upon the two unfortunate Criminals has 
been carried into EflFect, the Scene was affecting, and I flatter myself will 
be attended with Beneficial Consequences. No occurrence of Moment has 
happened Since I last wrote you. I beg you to order a General Court 
'Martial, we have four or five deserters. 

Accept Sir, the assurance of my Esteem and Consideration. 
Major Genl. Van Ilensselacr. John R. Fenwick, L^ Col. 

The two criminals mentioned above were deserters, and having beea 
found guilty by the court martial, were sentenced to be "shot to death 
on the grand parade at Fort Niagara on Friday the eighteenth instant, 
at ten o'clock in the forenoon of that day. On this solemn occasion all 
the Troops not on duty will be drawn up to witness the execution. And 
the major general hopes that this awful example will be a warning to 
others and, in future prevent desertions from that service to which their 
oaths if not their love of country should bind them." 

A petition for the pardon of Reuben Schuyler and Thomas Moore, 
sentenced by the general order of the 9th instant was sent to the major 
general by the "officers of the United States army at Fort Niagara" to 
request the consideration of the general and to recommend them as fit 
subjects for mercy. 

Oeiiercd Orders. 
Head Quarters, Lewiston 17th Sept., 1812. 

Major General Van Rensselaer revokes the sentence of death pronounced 
against Reuben Schuyler and Thomas Moore, by the Court Martial whereof 
Captain Leonard was President, and by General Orders of the Ninth 
instant directed to be carried into execution on the Eighteenth instant at 
Fort Niagara. 

This act of clemency of the Major General, in declaring the full and 
.absolute pardon of those unfortunate men, it is hoped will make a lasting 
impression on their future conduct in life and that they will still shew by 
their good behaviour that they are worthy of a life which- they had for- 
feited to-their Country and their God. But let it not be presumed that 
this first act of lenity in the Major General will be extended to others : 
He is under obligations of duty to his Country, and with these his feelings, 
as a man, shall not interpose. 

The Prisoners will be released and return to their duty. 

By Order of Major General Van Rensselaer, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, AXA de Camp. 

The decision of General Van Rensselaer in these occurrences com- 
ported with justice and humanity. He was well aware that such terrible 
examples are often necessary in all well regulated armies and from a 
regard to the good of the service, in which they were engaged, it would 
not answer, often, to impede punishment. 



236 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Major General Van Bensselaer to Ms Excellency Gov. Tompkins. 
„. Head Quarters, Lewiston, 17th Sept., 1812. 

i have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your packet by Major 
Noon 'who arrived in camp last evening. The duties of the day are too 
nressin- to allow me the leisure I could wish, to answer your letter par. 
ticularly I must, therefore, beg leave to refer your Excellency to my 
despatch of this date to Major General Dearborn. I cannot, however, 
but express the satisfaction I feel at the approbation, which my conduct 
thus far in the campaign has received. To perform my duty, arduous as 
it is is comparatively easy, but to determine what my duty is, in a wide 
field for action, where everything is unshaped and uncertain, is often a 
task of no small difficulty ; I am conscious to myself that I have studied 
it faithfully, and performed to the best of my ability. My situation is 
Krowincr every hour more interesting, perhaps critical. The particulars 
you wifl find in my letter to Gen. Dearborn ; but with my little force I 
shall certainly attempt to hold my position, with full reliance upon your 
Excellency's assurances, that every efibrt will be made to support me. 
A retrograde movement of this army upon the hack of that disaster which 
has befallen the one at Detroit, woidd stamp a stigma %ipon the national 
character ichich time coidd never wipe away. I shall therefore try to hold 
out atrainst superior force and every disadvantage, until I shall be rein- 
forced. T am happy to learn that the money to pay oflF the troops is at 
hand. The information cheers our camp. I announced it in orders this 
morninf ; I hope they will soon realize their expectations, for in truth 
their wants are many. I have the honour, &c. 

His Excellency Governor Tompkins. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Alexander, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 22d Sept., 1812. 

I have lately received two letters from you, and thank you kindly for 
them : in our situation, letters from friends, come like the cooling stream 
to a famishing Pilgrim in a desert of sand. General Van Rensselaer is 
well aware of the critical situation he is in : it has been announced to him 
from all quarters; from the highest to the lowest authority: he sees it, 
feels it every hour. But, after all, having taken into consideration the 
incalculable consequences which must result from falling back from his 
present position, he has determined to risk events. In the last general 
deliberation which was had upon the subject, he sat and heard all that was 
said, then rising up he said " No, what icill the world think we are made 
off No : I'll DIE hefore I'll quit this ground, and there's no more to be 
said about if." And there has been no more said about it. The enemy 
appear to be in a state of preparedness to give, or receive an attack. 
Every day or two they make some movement which indicates dispositions 
to attack us immediately. Night before last every ship they have on Lake 
Ontario came into the mouth of Niagara River, then, to be sure, we 
thought it time to look out for breakers. But yesterday when Col. Van 
Rensselaer went over with a Flag to Fort George, there was not a Ship 
in sight, nor a General Officer there, where gone, we know not. Not- 
withstanding the most positive orders on both sides, our Sentinels have 
kept u]) almost a cunstaut warfare for a month past. On the Bank of the 
River Musket Balls are about as thick as Whippowills in a summer's 
evening. A wretch fired the other evening, at Judge Barten and myself 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 237 

as we were settinj; upon our horses on the bank ; the shot came in a cor- 
rect line but fell 30 rods short, fn the lliver. Last Saturday niorninj^one 
of our lads returned the Compliment : and put his ball so <(uick thro' a 
lad's head on the other side that he fell dead without even winking. Over 
came Lieut. Col. Myers with whom I had the honor of an hour's confe- 
rence on the bank, both talked it largely and returned good fellows. In 
short we are all fire and powder on both sides the lliver, and every day 
that passes without blood seeu)s to me more and more strange. We have 
made the best possible dispositions of the force we have to meet an attack, 
if it comes, I am very certain there will be some old fashioned fighting, 
we can't help it; for in truth, we can't run awai/ vi'ithout Ji(jhtiii(j and I 
believe this is the best way to post an army of raw Troops. It is now 
about eleven days we have lain in this situation. It has become as much 
a matter of course to fix my papers and prime my Pistols when 1 go to 
bed, as it is to pull off my Boots. . 

And after all, I cannot tell whether they icill attack us or not; but if 
they do not they are certainly governed by some considerations of policy 
which they may consider of more importance than cutting up a little 2,000 
Army. Time must determine. We are promised reinforcements by com- 
panies. Battalions, Regiments, Brigades, and I might almost say Armies; 
but not a single man has joined us in some weeks. Besides, our men 
he7-e are getting down very fast within three or four days. This morning 
Report of Sick was 149. We have lately had the most tremendous storm 
of cold rains and wind that I ever saw at this season of the year, it was 
eno' to make an Ox quake. The wind was terrible, hail, lightening, 
thunder and the whole army of terrors seemed pressed into requisition. 
Many tents blew up and over; the General's Marquee was deluged, bed 
and all drenched. My Tent hooks gave away; I jumped out of my 
Blanket, in quick time, to save my Papers, stood in my shirt-tail for half 
an hour, holding the sides together, until I had not a dry thread to brag 
of; and when I went to my Blankets, they were as wet as myself, how- 
ever, I made the best of them thro' the night. 0, the glorious life, and 
the innumerable comforts of Soldiers ! 

Give Mrs. Lovett the enclosed, it contains an impression of General 
Brock's Seal, with his most appropriate Motto, " He icho guards^ never 
iileeps." The Campaign will wind up with some very interesting occur- 
rences, I think, I begin to see how the crisis is forming. We sha/l invade 
Canada. Come what may you may be assured we shall not disgrace 
Albany. Do write often. 1 entirely agree in opinion with Gen. V. R. 
who on reading your last letter made this observation " He writes more 
like a Gentleman than any of them " and added " I had no idea he was 
such a man !" there's for ye : and no man knows better, or more highly 
appreciates the character of a true bred Gendeman than that same General. 
I had no idea of his perfect finish in Etiquette. 

I am your friend, 

John Lovett. 



238 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Battle on Queenston Heights. 

Col. Marinus WiUett to Maj. Oen. Van Renssdaer. 

Pear Sir, New York, 25th Sept., 1812. 

I should before this have offered my services to you, had I not been 
appreheusive that the infirmities of age, which cause me to fear I might 
be burdensome, prevented me; but tho' I cannot enjoy that satisfaction, I 
trust you will not be displeased with my addressing you with a few ob- 
servations on the subject of Indian warfare. In the summer of the year 
17G8, soon after the disbanding of the army. General Washington visited 
the frontiers of our State : on this occasion I accompanied him ; and as 
we were traveling along the Mohawk Iliver, the devastations that had 
taken place there introduced the subject of Indian Warfare. I signified 
to the General my disapproval of the Virginia mode of fighting Indians 
by the men taking to trees, and fighting the Indians in their own way, 
which would continue for a number of hours, with no great advantage 
on either side. It was remarked that the Indians, who were generally 
furious in their onset, depended much on the noise of their Yells to strike 
a terror which not unfrequent, had the intended effect and caused their 
enemy to run, when they usually made great havock. In their mode of 
fighting they extend their line to great lengths, and endeavour to surround 
their foes: the noise, which by this means appears from different quarters, 
generally occasions surprise, and sometimes terror ; either of which is easily 
prevented : a vigilant and smart officer can effect it in an instant. He is 
with rapidity to place himself conspicuously in front: off with his hat, 
wave it round his head, and order his men to rush among the Indians with 
loud and repeated huzzas. The Indians, who have no compactness to op- 
pose to such force, and losing the noise of their yells, by the superior 
noise of the huzzas, are sure to set running; when, by having some good 
marksmen, you may hit some of them ; But tho' I never found it difficult 
to drive them, I could not kill many ; for it is not often that a fair shot 
can be had at them. They will, however, after having been driven from 
one position, generally, take another; and tho' they may not pursue the 
same course tliey did in their first onset, by commencing a fresh fire at 
considerable distance, they will be constantly taking off men, unless the 
same mode of driving them is pursued. 

I have been fighting Indians when they were vastly superior to me in 
numbers ; and have been obliged to pursue this mode of driving them 
from one position to another for four or five miles. I always found them 
dexterous in taking positions, but experienced little difficulty in driving 
them. The officer who commands the troops engaged with Indians, must 
be smart, active and brave ; and it is proper always to have covering 
parties, under the direction of a steady, firm man : but the officer who 
leads the troops to attack ought to possess a great deal of fire ; every 
thing depends on his activity, vigilance and courage. There is nothing 
can discover greater weakness, or folly than to run from Indians : it is 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 239 

almost certain death : but to face, and run in upon them is the sure means 
1)1' beatiuf; and overcoming them : for, tho' they have agility and dexterity^ 
they are by no means equal in strength to our soldiers. IJut it is not, 
my dear Sir, in fighting Indians, only, that I have experienced the ad- 
vantage of a bold charge upon the enemy. I have tried it, several times 
with British troops, as well as with Indians ; and it uniformly succeeded. 
Soldiers must be taught to look their enemies in the face, they should be 
brought into action as often as possible. Soldiers must be taught to 
liirht, a few good officers can do a great deal, the ruad to danger is the 
road to honor for a soldier. It is important that such ideas as these be 
instilled into young officers, as well as the necessity of their being re- 
conciled to fatigue, and deprivations. 

That you may go on, in a course of glory to yourself, and advantage to 
your country is the ardent wish of 

Dear Sir, Your very obedient Servant, 

Major General Van Rensselaer, M. Willett, Lt. Col. 

" Colonel "Willett joined the army under Abercromhie as a lieutenant, in 
1758. lie was in the disastrous battle at Ticonderoga, and accompanied 
Broadstreet in his expedition against Fort Frontenac. Willett early 
espoused the republican cause when British aggression aroused resistance 
here. When the British troops in the New York garrison were ordered 
to Boston, after the skirmish at Lexington, they attempted, in addition 
to their own, to carry off a large quantity of spare arms. Willett captured 
the wagons and took them back. He died Aug., 11S30, aged 91 years." 

Bngadier Gen. Alexander Smyth to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Buffalo, 29th September, 1812. 

I have been ordered by Major General Dearborn to Niagara, to take 
command of a brigade of the U. S. troops ; and directed, on my arrival 
in the vicinity of your quarters, to report myself to you which 1 now do. 
I intended to have reported, myself personally ; but the conclusions I 
have drawn as to the interests oi" the service, have determined me to stop 
at this place for the present. From the description I have had of the 
river below the falls, the view of the shore below Fort Erie, and the in- 
formation recei?ed as to the preparations of the enemy, I am of opinion 
that our crossing should be effected between Fort Erie and Chippewa. 
It has therefore, seemed to me proper to encamp the U. S. troops neat 
Buffalo, there to prepare for offensive operations. Your instructions, or 
better information, may decide you to give me different orders, which I 
will await. 1 have the honour. 

Major General Van Rensselaer. 

" This letter was offensive, first, because the subordinate officer not 
only iailed to report himself in person, as he was bound in duty to do, 
but assumed perfect independence by choosing his own theatre of action ; 
and secondly, because the writer, an entire stranger to the country, just 
arrived, went out of his way to obtrude advice upon his commanding 
general touching movements and localities of which he knew nothing, 
when he knew that the general had been there for weeks, and was ne- 
cessarily familiar with every rood oi' the ground and every disposition of 
the enemy. The cause of Gen. Smyth's presumptuous conduct on this 
occasion, as well as his subsequent evasive behavior, is merely a matter 



240 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

of conjecture. It might have proceeded from disappointment in not ob- 
taiiiinir full coiuniand on this frontier, or it might have been because his 
fastidiousness could not be reconciled to the idea of being under the com- 
mand of a militia general. Be it as it may, he was highly censured by 
all who were aware of his conduct. The season was now rapidly drawing 
to a close, and as Gen. V. R. was urged by his instructions to effect 
something decisive before he went into winter quarters, his situation 
was one of extreme delicacy. He did not wish to be drawn from the 
object he had in view by a controversy with Gen. Smyth, particularly so, 
as he knew that the forces which by this time had collected in his own 
immediate vicinity, were amply suflScient for his purpose. Gen Van 
Rensselaer, however, true gentleman as he was, quietly rebuked the im- 
pertinence " of Gen. Smyth in the following letter : 

Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to Brigadier Gen. Alexander Smyth. 
Sir; Head Quarters, Lewiston, 30th Sept., 1812. 

On my return, this moment, from Niagara, I received your letter of 
yesterday, advising me of your arrival at Buffalo, and the encampment, 
there, of the United States troops, in consequence of the conclusions you 
have drawn that offensive operations against Upper Canada ought to be 
attempted between Fort Erie and Chippewa. Nothing could be more 
unpleasant to me than a difference of opinion as to the 2^^<^<^^ of commenc- 
ing those operations in which our own characters, the fate of the army, 
and the deepest interests of our country are concerned. But, however 
willing I may be, as a citizen soldier, to surrender my opinion to a pro- 
fessional one, I can only make such surrender to an opinion deliberately 
formed upon a view of the whole ground. * * * For many years, I have 
had a general knowledge of the banks of Niagara river, and of the adjacent 
country on the Canada shore. I have now, attentively explored the 
American side with the view of military operations; combining at the 
same time, a great variety of circumstances and considerations intimately 
connected, in my opinion, with our object. So various are the opinions, 
and such the influence of personal and local interests in this vicinity, that 
many circumstances are to be carefully balanced before any correct con- 
clusions can be drawn. My decision has been made with due regard to 
all, these things, and to the important consequences connected with it. 
All my past measures have been calculated for one point ; and I now only 
wait for a competent force ; as the season of the year and every considera- 
#ion urges me to act with promptness, I cannot hastily listen to a change 
of position, neces.sarily connected with a new system of measures, and the 
very great inconvenience of the troops. I will not say that no considerations 
shall induce me to change ray plans of operation, but to this I cannot 
yield, without very weighty reasons ; conclusions drawn, at least, from an 
attentive examination of the banks of the Niagara river, and all other cir- 
cumstances connected with a successful result of the campaign. 

I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you here ; and perhaps after 
conference and thorough examination of the river and country, your 
opinion and mine, as to the plans of operations may coincide. I trust we 
are both open to conviction, and we have but one object, the best interest 
of the service. I am, sir, with consideration and respect &;c. 

Brigadier Gen. Alexander Smyth of the United States forces, Buffalo. 

Gen. Alexander Smyth the second in command was not willing to 
obey a leading federalist, his manner was offensive to the utmost limit, so 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 241 

that Gen. Van Rensselaer became disgusted with the jealousies of some 
of the regular officers, and the insubordination of the militia. This dis- 
quieting party feeling was carried to the extreme length by his opposers, 
. greatly to the detriment of his usefulness as an officer. Gen. Smyth, 
though vejy dogmatical and pompous, yet his designs were supposed to 
be patriotic ; but his ardor obscured his judgment, making him more in- 
discreet than culpable." Gen. Van Rensselaer had expected to meet his 
principal officers in a council of war, but Gen. Smyth was so dilatory that 
many were of opinion that coercive measures should be resorted to, to 
bring him to a sense of his duty ; and perhaps if General V. R. is cen- 
surable for any sin of omission while on the frontier, it is for not pursuing 
this course. 

Gen. V. R. had written to General Dearborn and explained to him the 
plan which he intended to have submitted to the council in question, 
and the objects he expected to gain if carried out, and now waited for the 
council to meet. 

Major Oen. Van Rensselaer to Colonel WiUett. 

Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston Oct. 3, 1812. 

In due course of the mail I have been favored with your very kind 
and seasonable letter of the 25th ulto. For your personal friendship ex- 
pressed to me, as well as for the valuable instructions furnished for the 
service, I beg leave to tender you my cordial thanks. In a crisis like the 
present, when we are called, again, to meet our enemies in the field, no 
one more sincerely than myself can regret that the infirmities usually at- 
tending the age to which you have arrived (73 years), should deprive 
our Country of that invaluable store of practical military knowledge which 
you have acquired in a long and honorable course of service. 

Nothing is more certain than that the strength of a State greatly consists 
in the personal bravery, and IMilitary knowledge of its citizens. A national 
character founded on such basis becomes terrible to surrounding foes, and 
often has the happiest effects in preventing: wars. Such was the proud 
character of Americans at the close of the Revolutionary War and the 
value of it could not be told. Among the Nations of Europe war is a 
trade : its system reduced to a science; and the library of the Soldier ia 
stored with volumes of instructions drawn from long experience. But, 
whenever the rules and maxims of 3Iilitary operations sanctioned in P]u- 
rope, have been applied to warfare with Savages in America, slaughter 
and defeat have usually been the unfortunate result. As war with Indi- 
ans is of a specific kind, reduced to system among the Tribes who know 
not letters, it is preserved only by tradition among themselves; and those 
who acquire a knowledge of it, must gain it, as you have, by long and 
careful experience. This consideration renders your wise experience of 
great value to your Country. 

I am perfectly satisfied that your whole system is correct : indeed my 
own reflections, which have been cast upon possible contingences in this 
campaign, had suggested to me the general principle which you approve. 

You are certainly correct in saying that flight from an Indian is next to 
certain death. War with Savau^es imperiously demands three things; 
Vigilance to discover where they are, caution in approaching them : and 
when they are found instant dispatch to kill or rout them. 

i shall remember your counsel with gratitude and pleasure ; as a precious 
31 



242 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

legacy from a Soldier of great experience ; and should occasion call me to 
use it in this campaign, I shall adopt and practice your system as far aa 
my ability, and the means I may command will enable me. 

I am, Dear Sir, with great respect and Consideration &c., 
Col. Marinus Willett. S. V. Rensselaer. 

During the investment of Fort Stanwix in August 1777, by St. Leger 
with a body of regulars, Indians, and tories, he was second in command. 
" Such was the impetuosity of Willett's movements, that Sir John Johnson 
and his regiment, who lay near the fort with his Indian allies, sought safety 
in flight. The amount of spoil found in the enemy's camp filled twenty 
wagon loads. For this brilliant exploit, congress voted him an elegant 
sword. " 

Qeneral Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Smyth. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewistou, 5th Oct., 1812. 

Believing that an early consultation of general officers, commandants of 
regiments, and corps on this frontier will promote the interest of the ser- 
vice, I have to request that you will be pleased to confer with Maj. Gen. 
Hall on the subject, and agree with him upon the earliest day possible, 
consistent with the business of the court martial, and other indispensable 
duties, when 1 can have the pleasure of seeing you at Fort Niagara for 
the purpose above proposed. Of the day agreed upon, you will please to 
give me early notice. ' I am, &c. 

P. S. I have written to Maj. Gen. Hall to the same purport. 

Brig. Gen. Smyth, of the U. S. forces. 

Oen. Van Bensselaer to Gen. Smyth. 
Sir, Head-Quarters, Lewiston, 6th Oct., 1812. 

Apprehending that my letter of yesterday, on the subject of the pro- 
posed conference at Niagara, may not have been sufficiently explicit, I 
deem it necessary to add, that my intention was, that Major General 
Hall, yourself, and the Commandants of (he several regiments of the United 
States troops, should attend the conference. You will please to make the 
necessary communications to the gentlemen intended. 

Brigadier General Smyth, of the U. S. forces. ^ ^™' *^*'' 

" Although politely requested, by Gen. V. R. several times, to name a 
day for a council of officers, Gen. Smyth neglected to do so. Day after 
day passed, and Smyth made no definite reply, could not tell the day." 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 

^ear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston Oct. 6, 1812. 

* * * * General Van Rensselaer is in good health, firm as Atlas, ac- 
tively engaged from dawn till dark, and often in the night. My health is 
perfect: but you may judge of my condition when I tell you that which 
no one but yourself and my wife must know : poor Solomon is sick. About 
two weeks ago he was seized pretty violently. He quit his Tent and went 
to a hut about half a mile from Camp, after close attention of the Surgeon 
six or seven days, he came down to camp again, in the day time, overdid 
himself, and relapsed worse than at first with the fever. We bled him, 
and for three days filled him half full of salts, jalap. Castor-oil, Calomel &c., 
&c., his whole system resisted medicine so obstinately, that for a little while 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 243 

we had strong fears that his sickness would be severe. But his physic 
has at last operated well, he now walks his room, and in truth, without 
(fiai/ut'se, is getting better fast, and I have no doubt will, in one week, be 
ni^his horse again. Now this you will mention to no one but my wife, 
and to her, only for this reason. She may hear, for the whole Army and 
all comers and goers know, that one of us is sick ; and they may not know 
ichirh of the two it is. Again, you know that Solomon is often called 
(runeral Van Rensselaer. Now should any report reach Albany to alarm 
either the General's or Solomon's friends, then out with your letter and 
explain the matter : and then, let no one doubt, for upon my Honor, it is 
just as I state. I have no doubt Solomon will be wcU'\n six days, he may 
be a little weak. We are every few days, deluged in water, such storms 
of rain and wind I think I never experienced, the cloth of my Tent is 
mere seive stuff: every third night I get wet as a Muskrat. But in the 
worst of it I sing, in proper tune. " No burning heats by day. Nor blasts 
of evening air. Shall take my health away, If God be with me there." 
As yet He has been with me in great mercy, and I have an humble confi- 
dence in the continuation of the same protection. I feel safe; for I feel 
myself in -duty. I am glad I came ; I am glad on my own account. I 
am glad on the General's account, for, I take my duty as it comes, I do 
believe I can discharge it as well as any other man : as yet, I believe my 
conduct has met the General's entire approbation. He treats Solomon 
and me with great kindness and confidence; indeed I believe his confi- 
dence in us is such that, in our respective departments, he would not ex- 
change us for any other two. He has been much worried at Solomon's 
illness; but now cheers up again; he continues in his Marquee, but it is 
cold enough to make an ox shiver. Pray go and explain this line to my 
wife. Tell her if she will hold out thro' this campaign mthowt fidjeting 
I'll promise to love her as long as I live. Brock is probably now watch- 
ing Harrison, and I fear our Neighbors have some good News, the Broad 
Flag was flying all the day before yesterday at Fort Erie that's all I know. 
Four days ago the Royal George cut out a Vessel, the Lady Murray, from 
the mouth of Genesee River, of this we have official information. Do 
not start if within three mails 1 date " Canada." I tell you we are going to 
work. Yours P]ver, 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Oct, 8, 1812. 

On the night of the 5th the General procured a man to cross the river. 
He returned with information which fully warranted an attack. Orders 
were actually issued to put the Troops in motion. But during some dis- 
cussions upon a question which I am not at liberty to mention, the re- 
inforcements of the Enemy, with six pieces of Ordnance passed into the 
very work we were that night (night before last) to storm. The design 
was abandoned to the infinite mortification of some brave fellows, and 
none more than Solomon, who swore that dead or alive, he would go in 
the first Boat. But don't scout us, we shall go. Solomon is now getting 
better, the General in perfect health and I am hearty as a Bullock. 
William Lush has just arrived here. Van Vechten has been written to 
on a certain subject: he is now absent: you therefore must take his 
place. Should my Statement appear relative to a proposed Dud, when 
Solomon Van Rensselaer was Principal, and John Lovett 2nd, and Peter 



244 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

B. Porter, Principal and Doctor Wilson 2nd, you are to give me the 
earliest notice. The publication of P. B. P., as a ''Rascal, Foltroon and 
Coirard" is only suspended at present for prudential reasons. 

Our General is brave, but still prudent : his conduct yet is unclouded, 
and I trust in heaven it will continue and end so. One ujonth will chanoe 
thing's much for the better or worse. 3Iy love to all, and God bless you. 

Ut. Joseph Alexander, Albany. J. Lovett. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Dearborn. 
gjj. Head Quarters, Lewiston, Oct. 8th. 1812. 

It is now nearly three months since, in obedience to the call of my 
country, I took the field to form and discipline an army, and to shape and 
direct a campaign on the very extensive frontiers of this state. This serv- 
ice, even in prospect, presented innumerable diflBeulties and embarrass- 
ments. Thus far I have met them in that manner which my own mind 
justifies and I trust my country will approve. After a general review of 
our frontiers, my own judgment did not suffer me to doubt that the Niagara 
river must be the scene of our decisive operations, and I selected this 
neighbourhood as the place best adapted to our measures, and here en- 
camped. Well knowing that the duties of the station you hold were" 
complicated' and embarrassing, I have patiently endured much, that the 
afi'airs of my department might embarrass you less. The crisis through 
which I have passed for the last month has been trying indeed ; particu- 
lars upon this occasion are unnecessary ; but the result has justified my 
measures and I am satisfied. Yet I am well aware that any merit which 
may be attached to this negative service, will not satisfy the expectations 
of my country : to have barely escaped disaster, will not be thought 
enough ; the object of the war remains unaccomplished, a new crisis is 
opening, and as in it, you, sir, as well as I, have a deep stake of responsi- 
bility, I shall with great freedom, state to you a number of facts, submit- 
ting my opinions connected with them, and with deference l6ave the 
general conclusion to your own judgment; and as the honor and interests 
of the United States, your own character and mine, are most intimately 
connected in the subject of deliberation, 1 hope and trust it may receive 
all the attention which its importance merits. 

The United States declared the war. One army has surrendered in 
disgrace, and another has but little more than escaped the reiteration of 
the blow. The National character is degraded and the disgrace will re- 
main corroding the public feeling and spirit, until another campaign; 
unless it be instantly wiped away by a brilliant close of this. A detail of 
particulars is needless: you, sir, know service. Our best troops are raw; 
many of them dejected by the distress their families suffer by their 
absence, and many have not necessary clothing : we are in a cold 
country, the season is far advanced, and unusually inclement ; we are 
half the time deluged with rain. The blow must be struck soon, or 
all the toil and expense of the campaign go for nothing or worse than 
nothing, for the whole will be tinged with dishonour. With my present 
force, it would be rash to attempt ofi^ensive operations. I have only seven- 
teen hundred eflcctive men [His reinforcements had not then arrived] of 
the militia on this whole line. The regular troops have nearly all arrived 
in the vicinity of Buffalo, except Schuyler's regiment. The bateaux have 
not arrived and I learn they vtry narrowly escaped the Royal George, at 
the mouth of Genesee river, where she had just cut out the schooner Lady 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 245 

Murray, and a Revenue Cutter. TJut two or three companies of the Penn- 
sylvania troops had arrived at Buflulo, when I receiveij uiy last advice 
from thence. 

Under these circumstances and the impressions necessarily resulting 
from them, I am adopting decisive measures for closing the fall campaign ; 
but shall wait your approbation of the plan, and the arrival of a competent 
force to execute it. I have summoned Maj. Gen Hall, Brig Gen. Smyth, 
and the commandants of the United States Regiments, to meet me on a 
consultation ; and I am well aware that some opinions entitled to great 
respect, will be offered for crossing the Niagara a little below Fort Erie, 
and pursuing the march down the river. I think this plan liable to many 
objections. The enemy have works at almost every point, and even an 
inferior force might hold us in check and render our marcli slow; by 
taking up the bridges at Chippewa, they might greatly embarrass us ; the 
cleared country is but a mile or two wide ; one flank would be constantly 
liable to be galled by Indians from the swamps ; for a considerable dis- 
tance, the rapidity of the current, and the height of the banks render 
transportation across the river impracticable; of course, our supplies must 
follow the line of march, with the trouble and hazard of them every day 
increasing ; and should the enemy retreat from Gen. Harrison, they would 
have a double object in intercepting our supplies; and by falling on our 
rear, and cutting off our communication, we might experience the fate of 
Hull's army. Besides these, and many other objections, there is no 
object on that side, until we should arrive at the commanding heights of 
• Queenstown, which are opposite my camp. 

The proposal which I shall submit to the Council will be, that wc im- 
mediately concentrate the regular force in the neighborhood of Niagara 
and the militia here, make the best possible dispositions, and, at the same 
time, the rcijulars shall pass from the Four-mile Creek to a jioint hi the 
rear of the works of Fort George, and take it by storm : I will pass the 
river here, and carry the heights of Queenstown. 

Should we succeed, we shall effect a great discomfiture of the enemy by 
breaking their line of communication, driving their shipping from the 
mouth of this river, leaving them no rallying point in tins part of the 
country, appalling the minds of the Canadians, and opening a wide and 
safe communication for our supplies. We shall save our own land, wipe 
away part of the score of our past disgrace, get excellent barracks and 
winter quarters, and at the least be prepared for an early campaign an- 
other year. As soon as the result of the Council shall be known, I shall 
advise you of it. I have received your letter of the 29th ultimo, and 
shall acquaint Mr. Harrison with your direction. I regret the slowness 
of the mail. I have furnished an escort for it from this to Buffalo. 
With great respect and consideration, &c. 

Hon. Major Geo. Dearborn. Stephen Van Rensselaer. 

" From this letter, it will appear to any professional man acquainted with 
the country, and the circumstances of the enemy at that time, that, 
although Gen. Van Rensselaer was not a military man, he reasons very 
much like a soldier; the counter currents under the opposite shores, and 
the narrowness of the river (three hundred and fifty yards wide), ren- 
dered it the preferable traverse; and as to the plan of the enterprise 
which he had finalti/ determined on, it was so simple and so perfect, that 
an act of God alone could have prevented the success, which would have 



246 Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 

reflected honor on a master of the trade. The ground is so much elevated 
at Lewiston and Queenston, that it may be called a mountain ; it is an 
immense platform which overlooks the plain below, until it is terminated 
by Lake Ontario. Of consequence, every movement from Fort Greorge 
would have been under the general's eye, as well as that of the ofl&eer at 
Fort Niagara. It was General Van Rensselaer's intention, to have 
marched General Smyth and one thousand five hundred regular troops, 
to the mouth of the Four-mile creek, by the new road cut for the purpose, 
there to have been held in readiness to embark at a minute's notice. 
Queenstown was then to be attacked ; and as it was guarded by two com- 
panies of the 49th regiment, with a party of militia and Indians only, it 
would liave. been carried with the battery on the heights, as afterwards 
happened. 

" These operations, within hearing of Fort George, could not fail to draw 
forth the garrison to sustain the post of Queenston, and repel the in- 
vaders ; and as soon as the British column was discovered in motion. 
General Smyth would have embarked by a signal, and when it approached 
Queenstown he would have been ordered by a courier, to proceed to the 
attack of Fort George, which could not have been anticipated more than 
twenty minutes, and being deprived of its garrison, resistance would have 
been vain. That so feasible a plan, and one of such importance to the 
national honour and interests should have failed was to be deplored, and 
the occasion certainly presented a fair subject for inquiry ; because it 
could not have happened without some fault, which, for the good of the 
service, should have been ascertained, especially wlien General Van Rens- 
selaer defied investigation ; but the crooked policy of a corrupt cabinet 
will not bear inquiry." 

Major OenercU Hall to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Buffalo Oct 10. 1812. 

Yesterday morning, about three oclock, Lieut. Elliott, with two Boats, 
cut out of the harbour at Erie, two Brigs, Adams and Caladonia. But 
unfortunately they both grounded; the Adams on the west side of Squaw 
Island and the other directly opposite Swifts Barracks. Our first, and 
great misfortune was from a cannon ball fired from the enemy which struck 
Major Cuyler, and tore one hand, and went thro' his body, he fell dead 
from his horse instantly. It was the first shot that was fired, he was riding 
on the beach a number of gentlemen near him. 

A number of American Prisoners, and some Citizens were on board and 
relieved, all of which got safe on shore unhurt. Our loss was very trifling 
three or ibur men were killed, and seven wounded two or three badly. 
The enemy kept up a brisk cannonading for some time, and continued 
firing thro' the day, occasionally. The Adams changed owners three 
times in the course of the day, our troops went on board just at evening, 
took three prisoners, and burnt the vessel. She was much shot to pieces, 
and it is said she had G Twenty four, and Eighteen Pounders in her hold, 
and some smaller ones. The Caledonia was loaded principally with Pork, 
about one half of which was unloaded yesterday. The 24 and 18 Pound- 
ers tronjthe British liatteries, however, prevented our men from working, 
several balls were fired through the vessel in the course of the day — one 
man was killed. No officer, except Major Cuyler, has even been wounded. 
I have not yet had time, having no ready assistance, to get an exact return 
and list of the Prisoners named — the whole will exceed forty, two Captains 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 247 

were taken. Will you ^\\e directions respecting the Prisoners. We liave 
but few troops here; and Buflalo too is an unsafe place. If the officers 
are to be paroled, will you give the necessary directions. 1 find that uur 
brave Militia do not like Cannon ball much. I saw General Smyth yes- 
terday, he could not tell the day when he would attend at Niagara (this 
•was for the Consultation). I am &c 

Major General Van llensselaer. A. Hall M. Genl. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Hall. 

Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston. 

I have received your letter of the 10th Inst. But have not leisure to 
answer it in detail. Most sincerely do I lament the death of Major Cuyler. 

One Division of Capt. Ilanes' Troop will remain at liuflalo : the other 
will come on here. 

For the present you had better send the Prisoners into the interior. 

Major Gen. Hall. I am &c. 

William Howe Cuyler was aid-de-camp to General Hall, exceedingly 
brave, a " fine noble fellow, who could ahoa^s he depended on." " On Octo- 
ber 9th, he was instantly killed, while guiding some vessels with a lantern in 
his hami, by a ball from the artillery across the river on the Canada side. 
He had been in the saddle all night, and had just left a warehouse where 
rigging was procured for warping in the British armed vessel Cakdonia 
captured by Lieut. Jesse D. Elliott." 

Col. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Harriot, Lewiston 10th October, 1812. 

This letter may be the last you will receive from me ; If it is, let me 
beg of you sometimes to cherish my memory and forget any uukindnesB 
you may have received from me, for whenever an unkind word has fallen 
from me, be assured it was not owing to any want of attachment to you, 
but to the unhappy state of my mind at that moment, owing to my em- 
barrassment and the persecution of my Political enemies who even pursue 
me to this quarter of the Glohe. My attachment to you has ever been 
warm and undivided and so it Shall llemain to the last moment of my 
existence and if it should please Heaven to guard me from danger this 
night, I will when I return shew by my actions what I now express, but 
should it be otherwise Decreed let me beg of you to think kindly of me 
and meet my fall with fortitude. My own and the Patroons Keputations 
require that the sacrifice should be made. If I should Succeed, it will 
redound to my Honor and Much to yours and our dear little one's advan- 
tage. Oh ! if I could give you all a parting kiss how happy I would be. 
Support yourself with fortitude on their account and remember they can- 
not do without you. My service has been very irksome since I lelt you, 
owing to your situation, never in my life have I been so impatient to 
return home to comfort you under your affliction. My Enterprise this 
night will shorten our separation, if I survive I shall soon be with you, 
how pleasing the Idea and how Happy will be that moment. I go to 
storm an important post of the enemy. Young Lush and Gansevoort 
attend me. I must succeed, or you my dear Harriot, will never see me 
again. If so, let me entreat you to meet my fall with fortitude; and be 
assured, my dear, lovely, but unfortunate wife, tliat my last prayer will 
be for you and my dear children. I wish to write much more but I 



248 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

must prepare for the Assault. This letter will be put in the hands of 
Mr. Lovett until the event is over. I have written to the Patroou about 
you and the children. Adieu, kiss all the children for me, mention me to 
all ; and may God bless and preserve you my dear lovely Harriot is the 
fervent prayer of your affectionate and sincere Husband, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. 

This is much blotted by the tears of the soldier's wife. 

Philip P. Van Rensselaer to Col. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany Oct. 13, 1812. 

Yesterday afternoon, you was blessed with an addition to your family, 
of a line young Son, large, fat and regular in all his limbs and features. 
Dr. Stearns says, Bethlehem cannot boast of a finer Boy. Yes, he is the 
image of your unfortunate son " Van Vechten," whose soul, I trust, is gone 
to yonder realms above, where all is joy, peace, harmony and love. Harriet 
is as well as can be expected. I saw her this morning, her joy is great, 
her gratitude inexpressible. Her Mother is with her, no language can 
adequately describe her feelings. * * * This morning I had hold of 
Mayor Philip V. R.'s hand in the street, say to the Patroon all are well. 

Yours with respect, 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Lewiston. Ph. P. Van Rensselaer. 

The enemy had moved some boats from the landing at Queenston, down 
the river, this excited alarm, and late that night a rumor ran through the 
camp, that the garrison was actually summoned to surrender. The clamor 
for active operations became so importunate that General Van Rensselaer, 
who had received intimations by letter from the commander-in-chief, that 
the invasion of Canada was expected, decided that the time for action had 
arrived, and to make an immediate attack on Queenston and wipe out the 
disgrace of Hull's surrender. Resolved to gratify his own inclinations 
and those of his army, by commencing offensive operations, he arranged 
with this view a plan to be submitted, and then summoned his principal 
oflficers to a council of war. It was very plain that Gen. Smyth, his second 
in command, had no cordial disposition to act in concert with him, and 
delayed specifying a time for holding the council, till General Van Rens- 
selaer seeing the prospect of a meeting was as remote as ever, could no 
longer withhold his orders for offensive measures. The attack was to 
have been made on the 10th of October, accordingly, thirteen boats, capa- 
ble of transporting three hundred and forty men with their equipments, 
were brought down under cover of the night, upon wagons, from Gill 
creek, two miles above the falls, and launched in the river at the only 
practicable spot at the time, at the present, Lewiston ferry. Lieut. Col. 
Fenwick's flying artillery were ordered to be up in season from Fort 
Niagara. Gen. Smyth was also directed to send down so much of his 
command as could be spared. 

Lieut. Col. Fenmck to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Lieut. Col. Christie is of opinion, after the ammunition and ordnance 
stores are removed, that a subaltern's guard will be sufficient for the pro- 
tection of the boats and the remaining stores; and that his officers and 
men, lull of ardour, and anxious, to give their country a proof of their pa- 
triotism, by being engaged in the first expedition, induces me to solicit, us 
a favor, that you will allow him and his detachment to accompany me this 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 249 

nii^bt. I think it essential, that, if a blow is struck, it should place us 
upon such <iround as will prevent the enemy f'roiu <;;iviug us a check. Col. 
Cliristie, after placing a strong guard, and invalids, can march with three 
iiiuidred effectives. As silence will be necessary on our march to Lcwiston, 
would you permit two cavalry to attend me, that the sentries on the road 
may be acquainted with our movements. I am &c. &c. 

Qen. Van Rensselaer to Lieut. Col. Fenwick. 
Sir, Head-Quarters, Lewiston Oct. 10, 1813. 

I have received your letter of this evening, acriuainting me that Lieut. 
Col. Christie is desirous of marching with his men to this place, to share 
in the contemplated movement. Upon Col. Christie's leaving a sufficient 
guard for the ordnance stores, I most cheerfully grant his request. But 
it will be necessary for him to march by 11 o'clock this night, to be here 
in season. I am &;c. &c. 

Lieut. Col. Fenwick. 

To avoid attracting the attention of the British, the regiments left at 
different hours. 

" The attack was to be made at three o'clock on the morning of the 11th 
by crossing over in boats from the old ferry, opposite the heights. To 
avoid any embarrassment in crossing the river, (which is here a sheet of 
violent eddies) experienced boatmen were procured to take the boats from the 
landing below, to the place of embarkation. Lieut. Sim was considered the 
man of the greatest skill for this service; he went ahead, and, in the extreme 
darkness, passed the intended place far up river, and there in the most ex- 
traordinary manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the detach- 
ment [that is, " he fled as fast as the legs of a traitor or coward could carry 
him."] In this front boat he had carried nearhj all the oars which were pre- 
pared for the boats. The others consequently could not follow without oars, 
and in the foremost boat the poltroon soon disappeared in the gloom. They 
waited for him to discover and correct his mistake, but in vain. In this 
agonizing dilemma stood officers and- men, whose ardor had not been cooled 
by exposure through the night, to one of the most tremendous north-east 
storms, which continued unabated for twenty-eight hours, and deluged 
the whole camp. Colonel Van Rensselaer was to have commanded the 
detachment. The soldiers endured the fierce blasts and the falling flood 
until almost daylight, when they were slowly marched to their respective 
cantonments, and the much desired enterprise was for that time unwil- 
lingly abandoned. The general-in-chief again determined to seek council 
of his brother officers, hoping the patience of his troops would brook 
farther delay. He was mistaken, the calls for action were more imperious. 
The miscarriage and the cruel desertion of Sims only increased their 
ardor, and Gen. Van Rensselaer found it necessary to renew the attempt " 

This contre-temps failure was a sad annoyance to the troops who had 
expressed through various channels, in the shape of an alternative, that 
they must have orders to act, or, at all hazards, they would go home ! 
The alternative which Gen. V. R. thought his own reputation and the 
good of the service required him to adopt, was still to take the troops at 
their word, and lead them into action. 



32 



250 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Major J. R. MuUany to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
gjj. Fort Niagara, 

It is with pain I am induced to complain at the neglect of excluding 
me from the command of the Infantry marched from here this morning. 
Doubtless Sir, you are aware I was the first Field Officer, of the U. S. 
Army arrived on these lines, and might in justice expect to be employed 
on the first expedition. I cannot yet convince myself I am neglected; 
and trust you will "honor me with a station in the expedition this night. 
I am, with esteem and Respect 

^ Sir, Your most Obt. Svrt. 

J. R. MuLLANY, Major U. S. Infantry. 
Major Genl, Van Rensselaer. 

Oen Van Rensselaer to Major MuUany. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 10th Oct., 1812. 

I should have ordered you to this place with the Detachment of Infantry 
just arrived from Fort Niagara, but it is necessary that you should cross 
in the course of the night at another point. When Col. Fenwick arrives, 
with the United States Troops, you will receive your orders. 
Major J. R. MuUauy. I am, &c. 

Major Gen. Brock to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Head Quarters, Fort George, 11th October 1812. 

Recent events having placed a few British officers and Soldiers at your 
disposal, as Prisoners of War, 1 have the honor to propose for your con- 
sideration an immediate exchange. Should there exist any difficulty in 
acceding to this arrangement, I entertain a well grounded hope that you 
will make no objection to allow the officers and men to return immediately 
on their parole. 

Major Evans, the bearer of this communication, is authorized to enter 
into any arrangement that you may feel disposed to make on the above 
subject. I have the honor ko be with much respect 

Sir, Your Obt. humble Servant 

Isaac Brock, Major General. 

Major Genl. V. Rensselaer, Commanding Lewiston. 

The above was the last communication which Genl. Brock made to Gen. 
Van Rensselaer. He fell early on the 13th, while acting on foot at the 
head of two companies of the 49th, they had been broken, and he was 
attempting to rally them. "He was a native of the Isle of Wight, aged 
fifty-three years, full middling size, stout, muscular, brave, active, a real 
soldier and a great man. He fell at the head of his men, while cheering 
them on to action. It is stated that when leading on his men, he laid his 
hand on his breast exclaiming, 'Mere is a hr east for your Yankee halls^ 
shoot me if you can.'" 

lion. Ahraliam Van Vecliten to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
^ear Sir, Albany, October 12, 1812. 

1 have for five weeks past been constantly attending Court or travelling 
to & from them. This will account for my not writing you. Harriet 
has conmiis.-<ioncd me to he her Scribe. She & the Family are in good 
health. The care of the Farm & her household occupy her whole time. 
She says that she trusts you will not be found backward when duty re- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 251 

quires you to fight, but hopes at the saqie time that you will not court 
danger wantonly. In this I concur sincerly. The situation you are in, 
and the General's reputation forbid rashness. To shun the Enemy im- 
properly would be censurable, but to seek him under manifest disad- 
vantages would be madness. You are considered as the confidential 
Counsellor at Head Quarters, of course you will share the responsibility 
of every Disaster. There are men who feel disposed to watch for oppor- 
tunities to cast imputations upon the General. He should therefore be 
on his guard against their Machinations. It would ill behove him to 
jeopardize the lives of the men under his command merely to repel inju- 
rious and unfounded Surmises on the one hand, while on the other it 
would be no less improper to screen them from danger, when he has a 
reasonable prospect of executing successfully a useful enterprise. The 
Enemy are no doubt well prepared for your reception, and have the ad- 
vantage greatly in every essential particular. If you fight & are beaten 
your force is of a description not to be rallied. These circumstances 
present considerations which deserve to be maturely weighed. I throw 
them out from motives which I am persuaded will be justly appreciated. 
General Dearborn is becoming very odious. His fretfulness towards & 
abuse of the Conscript officers who call upon him for Supplies creates 
much dissatisfaction. 

Southwick is preparing a report of his Trial for the press; when it 
comes out I will send you a copy. Tell Lovett his Family are well. I 
will write him in a day or two. His wife says, she expects the fatness of 
the Camp will make him plump and strong and disqualify him /or runmng. 
Finally beware of being HuU'd. If you are, many of the democrats will 
rejoice, they want a set off. Let me conjure you not to furnish it. 

Yours sincerely, Ab. Van Vecuten. 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Head Quarters, Lewiston. 

Except in some minor details, the arrangements for another attempt at 
invasion, were the same as on the last. " The previously excited ardor 
seemed to have gained new heat from the late miscarriage ; the brave were 
mortified to stop short of their object, and the timid thought laurels half 
won by the attempt." The boats were brought back after daylight, and 
left on the shore opposite Queenston, where they remained the two sub- 
sequent days in full sight, and within musket shot of the enemy. (The 
Niagara river being but about three hundred and fifty yards wide at this 
place, a British sentinel was killed at his post by a shot from our side.) 
The appearance was regarded as a feint, and they became impressed with 
a belief, that they were intended to carry an armament down the river 
against Fort George. Our operations at and near Fort Niagara (of a con- 
siderable battery) which they had htely seen effected opposite that post, 
confirmed the belief to such a degree, that their principal force was 
stationed there ; and when Gen. Brock was afterwards first informed of 
the firing at Queenston, he declared that it could not possibly be an at- 
tack : " It was nothing more than the war between sentinels." To all 
this, in connection with their faith in the impregnable nature of the place, 
we may ascribe the reason why they were so weakly garrisoned here; 
and that they were so, was divulged to us through such sources as une- 
quivocally to justify an attack, and it was decided that it should be made 
under my direction on the morning of the 13th. During the two inter- 
vening days, although yet suffering under the effects of a fever, by which 



252 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

I had been confined to my bed until near the moment of being called out 
to lead the first intended expedition, I was constantly employed in per- 
sonally attending to complete the arrangements for battle, and in instruct- 
\n<^ the different participators in the particular duties to be assigned them; 
every preparation deemed essential was made under my own inspection. 

To render the success more certain, a large number of boats were re- 
quired, to make another trial, directly in front of the enemies' works, as 
it was the only assailable place. Calculations were made for them, upon 
the promise of Gen. Smyth at Fort jSiagara. He was not only to send 
the boats to Lewiston, but was to have crossed the river himself with part 
of his command of 700 regularp and make an attack on Fort George at 
the concerted moment, but neither of these arrangements did he carry 
into effect. Mr. Cook, a highly respectable citizen of Lewiston, (father 
.of the Hon. Bates Cook, lately a member of congress, who, with one or 
more brothers, volunteered his services for the occasion), was this time 
entrusted with the duty of procuring trustworthy boatmen, at whatever 
expense ; and they, with the boats, were put under his direction. To Mr. 
Lovett was committed the management of the fire from the eighteen-gun 
battery on the heights of Lewiston. This was an. important duty, as the 
balls from this battery were to pass over the heads of the assaulting party, 
in order to reach the enemy in the village of Queenston. The duty in 
the result was satisfactorily performed, though at the expense of Major 
Lovett's hearing. " It being dark, he stooped close to the gun to observe 
its aim, when it was suddenly discharged, and the concussion so injured 
his ears" that he never recovered from the astounding effects of his own 
fire. Col. Van Rensselaer was obliged several times to visit the British 
head quarters on business, also to attend to the wants in clothing and 
other articles for the unfortunate prisoners of war in Gen. Hull's army. 

" On my last visit there, the very day before the action, while returning 
to my boat, accompanied by Col. McDonald, Major Evans and other 
officers, attracted by the appearance of a body of Indians a short dis- 
tance to our left, I expressed a desire to obtain a nearer view, as I 
might know some of them. This gallant and accomplished officer im- 
mediately led the way. On our route we passed two beautiful brass 
grass-hoppers, or howitzers, of a small size calculated to be carried on 
pack-horses, the wheels about as large as those of a wheelbarrow. I 
remarked, ' these at all events are old acquaintances of mine.' They 
had formerly belonged to Wayne's army, and were used against the 
Indians in ITOi, in which battle he was engaged. After the defeat of 
the Indians, these pieces had been left at Detroit, where as Col. McDon- 
ald stated, they were taken by Gen. Brock and brought down, with a view 
of being sent to England, as a curiosity. I observed in a jocular manner 
that I felt partial to those pieces, and we must try to take them back. 
He replied in the same pleasant humor, that they must try to defend them. 
Little did he suspect that every thing was arranged to make that trial, or 
that the next day, he and his chivalrous chief were doomed to fall, and I 
to be grievously wounded." These brass howitzers were among the Bri- 
tish trophies of victory at Detroit on Hull's surrender. 

" Colonel Solomon Van Reniselaer was appointed to the command of the 
invading force, an arrangement which seems to have given umbrage to 
some of the officers of the regular army on the frontier. Lieutenant 
Colonel Chrystie was exceedingly anxious to have the honor of chief in 
the enterprise, and pleaded his rank and experience, as compared with 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 253 

that of the aid-de-camp of the general-in-chief, in favor of his claim. 
But Gen. Van Rensselaer would not chani;e his p;eneral arrangements. 
It wasap;reed, however, that Colonel Van Rensselaer should lead a ci»lunin 
of three hundred militia, and Lieutenant Colonel Chrystic should lead 
another composed of the same number of re-julars, so that each mii^ht 
share in the hazards and glory of the expedition. Chrystie refused to 
waive his rank in favor of Van Rensselaer, but consented to receive 
orders from him." 

Lt. Col. Christie, who had lately arrived with a reinforcement of near 
four hundred regulars, having begged the honor of a command in the 
expedition, was accordingly ordered up to Lewiston with three hundred 
of his men. The remainder were left to guard the boats and stores which 
he had brought with him, to the mouth of Four-mile creek. Three hun- 
dred uiilitia men who had been in camp several months, and were much 
superior to the newly recruited regulars in point of discipline, to;cethor 
with forty picked men from Capt. Leonard's old company of artillery 
from Fort Niagara, under Lieuts. Gansevoort and Rathbone, with all 
the equipments belonging to their proper line of service, composed the 
detachment under my own immediate con)mand. An equal number from 
each of those two detachments, together with the forty artillerists, were to 
proceed from the encampment, and efl'ect the first descent upon the 
enemy's shore. Lieut. Col. Fenwick, and Major Mullany, were to follow 
with about five hundred and fifty regulars, and some pieces of flying artil- 
lery, and then the militia in order, as fast as the boats could carry them. 
The arrangement, however, was partially deranged when we reached the 
bank of the river. Here the troops halted ; and while accompanied by 
my two acting aids. Lush and Gansevoort, 1 was inspecting the condition 
of the boats, which, by the way, appeared to be in perfect order, the 
regulars got possession of the narrow dug way leading down to the water's 
edge. In this emergency it became necessary either to countermarch 
part of this force, a movement which we apprehended might arouse the 
attention of the enemy, or to fill the boats with regular troops in the first 
place, to the partial exclusion of the militia. The latter alternative was 
adopted, and Major Morrison was ordered to follow witli the remainder of 
the detachment, in the return boats. " The Niagara river at Queenston 
is six hundred feet in width, and the heights rise two hundred and thirty 
feet above the river." When all was ready and the troops embarked to 
the number of twenty-five in each boat, I first walked along the line to 
inspect them, then leaped into the picked artillerists, and gave the word 
to push off. The order was promptly obeyed. Counterbalancing in the 
favoring eddies on either side, the lee way made ,iu crossing the main 
current, within ten minutes all the boats, excepting throe, struck the 
enemy's shore without difficulty, at the identical spot aimed at. The 
enemy were on the alert. 

The movements of the Americans bad been discovered by the sentinels, 
and a company of British regulars, were stationed to resist the debarka- 
tion. Their presence was first known by a broad flash, then a volley of 
musketry that mortally wounded Lieut. Rathbone, by the side of Col. 
Van Rensselaer before landing, and random shots from the field-pieces 
along the line of the ferry at the moment when the boats touched the shore. 
These were answered by Lovett's battery on Lewiston heights, when the 
enemy turned. Col. Van Rensselaer had beeu the first man to spring 
ashore, on a large rock at the foot of the rapids, the identical stone is still 



254 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

to be seen near to Suspension bridge. Having landed, the boats were 
imniediately sent back, to cut off any chance of a retreat. The troops 
were formed, " Now we are here, we must fight" were the cheering words. 
from the gallant colonel as he charged up the bank, where they met the 
enemy. A short, but severe engagement took place, with heavy loss on 
both .sides; but we were victorious, and the enemy gave way, and fled 
towards Quecn.'^ton, on our right. The position we occupied cut off their 
retreat to their main battery on the heights. The plan for this brilliant 
but unfortunate battle was simple and soldier-like, and if it had been 
carried out in full, would have resulted in a most effective and decisive 
victory. " It commenced so auspiciously for the American arms by the 
"■allant and daring Van Kensselaer, and ended so di-sastrously by reason 
of the cowardice of the militia on the American side, who refused to 
cross the river and secure the victory which had been so bravely won." 

Col. Van Renselaer had made himself thoroughly acquainted with the 
condition of the enemy, while on official visits to the various posts, he had 
been vigilant and observing. "He selected his points of attack with mas- 
terly judgment, becau.se from its apparent difficulty, it was the least sus- 
pected. It is true, complete success did not ultimately crown this enter- 
prise; but two great ends were obtained for the country, it re-established the 
character of the American arms, and' deprived the enemy by the death of 
Gen. IJrock, one of the best officers that has headed their troops in Canada 
throughout the war, and with his loss put an end to their then brilliant 
career. The force under Col. 8olomou Van Ren.sselaer, contending with 
greatly superior numbers, stormed and carried the fort. The gallant Col- 
onel lell riddled with wounds and bleeding profusely, but cheered with the 
shouts of victory. But the reinforcement neglecting to cross the river at the 
proper time, the enemy come up in superior force, and the fort was re- 
taken, and Van Rensselaer's troops were obliged to retreat. Finding my- 
self very much crippled now by a number of wounds, and with the loss of 
blood, unable to proceed any farther, I inquired for Lieut. Col. Christie; 
[Christie was in one of the three missing boats, it was driven by the currents 
and eddies upon the New York shores, and he ordered Lawrence's boat 
back, while the third fell into the hands of the enemy, it having struck 
the shore at the mouth of the creek just north of Lewiston. Christie was 
not on the battle-field until the morning victories were all won by Cap- 
tain Wool.] There was a vain search for the missing second in command, 
he was not to be found, had he been on the spot, the affair would have 
proceeded without a moment's delay. I directed the troops to fall back a 
few steps, under cover of a bank, where they were secure from the desul- 
tory shots still occasionally pointed at them. In this situation a pause of 
some time occurred, till the staff' returned without any hopes of Lieut. 
Col. Christie's arrival. Although the business yet to be done was all im- 
portant to the success of our enterprise, I was unwilling to entrust its exe- 
cution to such very young men, the highest of whom in rank were only 
captains, nut six months in service. As it was now broad daylight, any 
farther delayjwas highly hazardous, and I therefore, in an agony of feeling 
which belonged to the occasion, directed the troops to incline a little to 
the left, and ascend the heights by the point of the rock, and storm the 
battery, which by this time had opened its fire upon our place of embarka- 
tion. Lieut. Gansevoort, being well acquainted with the ground, was 
ordered to load the way, at the head of the picked artillerists, assisted by 
Lieut. Kardoljih. Lieut. Rathboue having fallen mortally wounded at 



Legacy of HtSTORicAL Gleanings. 255 

my side; other troops followed, Major Lush, my other artins; aid, bringiiif^ 
iij) the rear, with orders to shoot down the first man who offered to give 
way. The noble young men obeyed my directions, and, in due time, the 
ii|iort of a well-told volley, and the cheering shouts of victory, reached 
jiiy ear, assuring me of their coiiijilcte success'^ Having thus accomplished 
the work with two hundred and twenty-five men, for which six hundred 
and forty had been detailed, uothiijg farther was necessary for the full 
attainment of the objects of the enterprise, than to secure the advantages 
gained. Nothing was easier; but an unfortunate occurrence of adverse 
circumstances, turned the fortunes of the day against our arms. I could 
nut participate, personally in the subsequent events. I may «dd, as a. 
conclusion of my own observations, however, that it had been anticipated 
that the enemy might open the fire of a piece of flying artillery, from the 
village of Queenston, upon our place of embarkation, as soon as they 
were aroused to action by our attack. Major Jjovett's attention had, 
therefore, been particularly directed to this contingency the day before; 
and, in compliance with the instructions then received, as soon as there 
was li;:ht enough, he turned the long eighteens of the battery on Lewis- 
t(in heights upon this spot, in such a masterly manner as to drive the 
enemy out before their battery was carried. The ferry was unannoyed 
after this, except by the fire of one gun ; but the distance was too great, 
and the formation of the banks rendered this fire almost ineffectual. None 
of our boats were injured by cannon shot. The artillerists, who were 
purposely attached to the storming party, and provided with matches, were 
to have turned the fire of the battery on Queenston heights upon the 
vilhige, and particularly upon the lower one-gun battery which was about 
a mile below (above alluded to), and could not be reached from any other 
(juarter. liut some one of the number, in a fit of over zealous patriotism, 
irustrated the design, by spiking the cannon as soon as captured. Priding 
myself as 1 do, on the habits acquired under the tuition of Generals 
Wayne, Wilkinson, and Posey, I am not conscious of ever having neglected 
the performance of the most minute detail appertaining to my duties as a 
military man. Nor do I recollect of a neglect on this occasion. Selected 
to lead an expedition on which the result of a whole campaign depended, 
my reputation was at stake, and my anxiety to give my country a glorious 
offset to the disaster of Hull, rendered me, if possible, doubly vigilant. 
Every preparation deemed essential was made under my own inspection, 
and every contingency was provided for a successful issue; and if the re- 
sult was unfortunate, it certainly was not on account of any defect, either 
in the plan of the expedition, or in the arrangements made to carry it 
into execution. 

Had' Jjieut. Colonel Christie, for instance, effected his landing in con- 
junction with myself, no delay need have been occasioned at the import- 
ant crisis when I became disabled. The batteries would have been secured 
before the enemy were prepared to annoy us, and our primary object, an 
unmolested passage to the reinforcements, would have been secured in 
season. To his failure may mainly be attributed all our disasters. Yet 
the apology which he makes for it, in his report to Gen. Arnistrong, (the 
loss of a rowlock and an unskilful pilot.) would, in a spirit of charity be 
deemed sufficient, were it not known that other boats besides his own, were 
ordered by him to fall back at the same time. Capt. I^awrence, in one of 
the three unsuccessful boats, has repeatedly declared that he fell back by 
Christie's orders. His return damped the hitherto irrepressible ardor of 



256 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

the militia ; Maior Morrison, instead of leading his detachment across the 
river, suddenly found himself taken too unwell for the duty; and though 
the dreaded fire on the ferry was now silenced by Major Jjovett's battery, 
and the heights were captured, yet the panic had become so general, that 
but a smairportion of our army could be prevailed on to cross. The re- 
mainder, to their eternal shame be it said, instead of lending their aid to 
sustain their gallant brethren in th«ir victorious career, stood passively, 
and saw them^cut up, and captured in the end, by a force amounting to 
about one-third of their united number. At the period of Gen. Brock's 
fall, and the flight of the enemy, the troops were still crossing, we had a 
pro.specfc* of a victorious termination of the enterprise, and no one then 
supposed the militia would change their minds; of course, the idea of a 
retreat could not be entertained. Gen. V. K. crossed over about this time, 
leavinir directions for the militia to follow : but learning subsequently that 
he was not obeyed, he returned, with a view of ascertaining the cause, 
and to expedite their movements It was then, for the first time, he found 
them recreant to the promises which their late clamor for action implied. 
After trying all the means that human ingenuity could devise, to arouse 
them to a sense of their duty, he was obliged to give up the effort in de- 
spair, and despatched a note to General Wadsworth, informing him of the 
predicament. We were successful in every important measure up to this 
time, but the large reinforcements of the enemy, under Gen. ISheaffe were 
near at hand, and very soon our little band of heroes were attacked, and 
after another obstinate fight, overpowered, but they were not crushed. 

Extract from the Official Letter of Qen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, October 14th, 1812. 

* * * On the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me 
from all quarters, that 1 became satisfied that my refusal to act might 
involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. Lieut. Col. Christie, . 
who had just arrived at the Four Mile Creek, had late in the night of the 
first contemplated attack, gallantly offered me his own and his men's 
services ; but he got my permission too late. He now again came for- 
ward, had a conference with Col. Van llensselaer, and begged that he 
might have the honour of a command in the expedition. The arrange- 
ment was made. Col. Van llensselaer was to command one column of 
three hundred militia, and Lieut. Col. Christie a column of the same 
number of regular troops. 

Every precaution was now adopted as to boats [" Having been confined 
to my bed," says Col. V. R., " previous to the first attempt. General 
Wadsworth, a brave and meritorious officer, was requested to superintend 
the movements of the boats.' He procured as many as were required and 
Mr. Cook's deportment of them was well regulated; and as long as the 
troops showed a disposition to cross, it was well conducted. If there was 
any irregularity afterward, the fault was not so much in his boatmen as 
in his passengers,"] and the most confidential and experienced men to 
manage them. At an early hour in the night Lieut. Col. Christie marched 
his detachment by the rear road from Niagara to camp. At 7 in the 
evening, Lieut. Col. Stranahan's regiment moved from Niagara Falls; at 
8 o'clock Mead's, and at 9 Lieut. Col. Bloom's regiment, marched from 
the same place. All were in camp in good season. 

Agreeably to my orders issued upon this occasion, the two columns were 
to pass over together as soon as the heights should be carried. Lieut 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 257 

Col. Fenwick's flying artillery was to pass over ; then IMajor Mullany's 
(letachiuetit oFrciTulars, and the other troops to follow in onlcr. Col. Vao. 
liensselaer, with great presence of niinil, orilereil liis officers to proceed 
with rapidity and storm the fort. The service was gallantly performed, 
and the enemy driven down the hill in every direction. Soon after this, 
both parties were considerably reinforced, and the conflict was renewed in 
various places. Many of the enemy took shelter behind a stone guard- 
house, where a piece of ordnance was now briskly served. I ordered the 
fire of our battery to be directed upon the guard-house ; and it was so 
effectually done that with eight or ten shot the tire was silenced. The ene- 
my then retreated behind a large store house ; but, in a short time the rout 
became general, and the enemy's fire was silenced, except from a one gun 
battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach of our heavy ord- 
nance, and our light pieces could not silence it. A number of boats now 
passed over unanhoyed, except by the one unsilenced gun. For some time, 
after I had passed over, the victory appeared complete ; but, in expecta- 
tion of further attacks, I was taking measures for fortifying my camp im- 
mediately ; the direction of this service I committed to Lieut. Totten of 
the Engineers. But very soon the enemy were reinforced by a detlich- 
ment of several hundred Indians from Chippewa; they commenced a fu- 
rious attack, but were promptly met and routed by the rifle and bayonet. 
By this time, I perceived my troops were embarking very slowly. 1 pas- 
sed immediately over to accelerate their movements, but, to my utter as- 
tonishment, I found, that, at the very moment when complete victory was 
in our hands, the ardour of the unengaged troops had entirely subsided. 
I rode in all directions ; urged the men by every consideration to pass 
over — but in vain. Lieut. Col. Bloom, who had been wounded in the 
action, returned, mounted his horse, and rode through the camp, as did 
also Judge Peck, who happened to be there exhorting the companies to 
proceed — but all in vain. 

At this time a large reinforcement from Fort George was discovered 
coming up the river. As the battery on the hill was considered an im- 
portant check against their ascending the heights, measures were imme- 
diately taken to send them a fresh supply of ammunition, as I learned 
there were left only twenty shot for the eighteeu-pounders. The rein- 
forcements, however, obliqued to the right from the road, and formed a 
junction with the Indians in the rear of the heights. Finding, to my 
infinite mortification, that no reinforcement would pass over, seeing that 
another severe conflict mu-st soon commence, and knowing that the brave 
men at the heights were quite exhausted, and nearly out of ammunition, 
all I could do, was to send them a fresh supply of cartridges. At this 
critical moment I despatched a note to Gen. Wadsworth, acquainting him 
with our situation, leaving the course to be pursued much to.liis own judg- 
ment, with assurance that, if he thought best to retreat, I would endeavour 
to send as many boats as I could command, and cover his retreat, by every 
fire I could safely make; but the boats were dispersed; many of the 
boatmen had fled panic struck, and but few got off". My note, however, 
could but little more than have reached Gen. W. about -i o'clock, when 
a most severe and obstinate conflict' commenced, and continued about half 
an hour, with a tremendous fire of cannon, flying artillery, and musketry. 
The enemy succeeded in repossessing their battery, and gaining advan- 
tage on every side. The brave men who had gained the victory, ex- 

33 



258 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

hausted of strength and ammunition, and grieved at the unpardonable 
ncirlect of their fellow-soldiers, gave up the conflict. I can only add, that 
the vicloi'v teas realhj won, but lost for the want of a small reinforcement; 
onc-tldrd part of the idle men iniijht have ^aved all. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer. 
Hon. William Eustis, Secretary of War. 

" The army on the Straits of Niagara could have been assembled for 
oflFense only: therefore Gen. Van Rensselaer in making the attack, ful- 
filled the obligations of duty, and the views of government. Advocate as 
I am for the yeomanry of my country, I can find no excuse for the con- 
duct of the militia on that occasion. By imperiously demanding the 
attack on Queenston, they virtually pledged themselves to support it. 
The attack was made, but their pledge remained unredeemed ; if the 
militia had been faithful to their engagements, and true to themselves, 
the whole might have passed the straits before the arrival of the British 
column under General SheafFe, whom they might have cut off from Fort 
George, and captured or destroyed, after which the surrender of the fort 
would have become a matter of form." 

The following piquant^account is from Gen. Wilkinson, to the secretary 
of war, just after the battle. " The enemy ascertained Van Rensselaer's 
approach by the sound of his oars, and opened their fire from the top of 
the bank, as soon as they could discern his movements, by which Lieut. 
Rathbonc was mortally wounded on board of Col. Van Rensselaer's boat. 
The landing was effected with two hundred and twenty-five men. who 
formed under a very warm fire, climbed the bank and routed the enemy 
at the point of the bayonet, without firing a shot; but in this operation 
Ensign Morris was killed, and Captains Malcolm, Armstrong and Wool 
were wounded, and a number of men killed and wounded. Colonel Van 
Rensselaer himself was peculiarly unfortunate, and to the accident which 
befel him, the day's disaster may be partly attributed; he received one 
ball in his hip which passed out at his spine, two in his thigh, one of 
which lodged, two in his leg, and a sixth contused his heel ; he however 
kept his ieet, and the ehemy having fled towards the town, with great 
presence of mind Col. Van Rensselaer directed his officers to proceed with 
rapidity and storm the fort. He ordered Capt. Wool, the senior officer 
capable of duty, to ascend the mountain and carry the battery ; giving 
hiu) a direction for his movement, by which he would avoid the fire of the 
enemy's artillery; placing Lieutenants Randolph and Gansevoort, who 
volunteered, at the head of the little column, and Major Lush, another 
volunteer, in the rear, with orders to put to death the first man who 
should i'all back. During this time he had concealed his wounds under 
a great coat, borrowed iVom Major Lush, and when the party had filed 
off bolbre him, no longer able to support himself, he fell to the ground," 
with excessive weakness. 'Even then his voice was still heard animating 
his men and ordering them to " push on and storm the battery." The 
service was gallantly performed. That battery was taken as well as every 
other work of the enemy at Queenston. Had not Col. Van Rensselaer 
been so badly wounded, there is no doubt but that he would have retained 
possession." It was just then clear day-light, and he found himself among 
the wounded, the dying and the dead. A crust of bread, and some water, 
furnished by one of the former, prevented him from fainting. The an- 



Legacy of IIistoiiical Gleanings. 259 

guish resultinp; from his wounds, and every selfish feeling, was silenced 
by the contemplation of his wounded companions; but these lost much of 
their interest, when put in competition with his anxiety for the safety and 
success of the j^allant detachment he had ordered to the heights. It 
pleased, however the great Disposer of events, that this anxiety should be 
short-lived, and for the blood he had thus spilled in his country's cause, 
he was remunerated by the shouts of victory. 

" I had marked this patriot soldier some eighteen years before, when 
* the callow down had scarce began to shade his cheek, and call him man,' 
giving earnest of future promise, and asserting claims to future fame ; 
beheld him in a gallant charge at the head of his troop, shot through the 
body, and with the blood oozing from his lungs, still smiling with com- 
placency ; yet since the days of General Washington nor the blood of the 
father nor the son has found grace in the eyes of the executive ; and 
amidst thousands of offices which have been indiscriminately lavished on 
the worthy and the worthless, this faithful citizen and honorable man has 
not been deemed worthy of attention." 

From the Canada side Colonel Van Rensselaer was brought over with 
five bleeding wounds, from the boat, after crossing the river, he was taken 
to our camp about 10 o'clock in tlie morning. " Arad Joy, Esq., who 
was paymaster of Colonel Henry Bloom's regiment, had charge of the 
wagons that conveyed the wounded to the hospital on the ridge road, 
two miles from the village. The loss of blood caused Colonel Van Rens- 
selaer to be chilly. He sat upou a board across the top of the wagon- 
box, without a groan ; and as we met the soldiers going to the river to 
cross, he would call out at the top of his voice, ' Go on, my brave fellows, 
the day is our own.' It cheered up and encouraged them. He was 
taken to good quarters in a private house. The head surgeon, with his 
instruments, was along. We were about to lift him out, but he declined, 
and pointing to some wounded soldiers said, ' take those poor fellows out 
first.' We carried him into the house and seated him on a chair. His 
boots were filled with blood, which was gushing from his thigh, and 
plainly to be seen through his pantaloons. The boots, at Van Rensselaer's 
request, were cut from his feet. Col. Van Rensselaer previous to the 
battle had been sick with fever, and had only left his bed to attend to 
preparations for the invasion. The disease and his wounds so prostrated 
him that for several days his life was in extreme peril. It was not until 
five days after the battle that he could be moved from Lewiston, and such 
was the severity of Col. V. R.'s wounds that the transfer could nojp be 
efi'ected in any carriage. Then a cot was rigged with cross-bars and side- 
poles, on which he was carried on the 18th of October by a detachment 
of Major Mosely's Rifle Battalion, who were placed under the command 
of Ensign Grosvenor, on their shoulders to Schlosser. There they pro- 
cured a boat and the following day, the same party rowed him to Buffalo 
and then carried him to Landers'. How much he was beloved may be 
inferred from the fact that this same company of compassionate soldiers 
volunteered to carry him on their shoulders from Buffalo all the way to 
Albany. 

"The most intense anxiety was felt on the Amefican side to learn the 
result of the daring attempt, but soon came painful intelligence that the 
gallant leader had fallen covered with wounds. And upon the heels of 
that unpleasant news, the report came that Colonel Fcnwick had also 
fallen, dangerously wounded. Thcn,^too, the retreat of seventy-five of the 



260 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

detachment under Capt. Lawrence, and Col. Christie's return produced a 
most pernicious effect on the militia, particularly as the party made no 
immediate attempt to effect a passage. The natural reflection produced 
by this spectacle in the minds of the yeomanry was, ' if the regular troops 
cannot cross the river, surely it cannot be expected of us.' Thousands of 
spectators were looking on, and there can be no doubt that the incident 
staggered their resolution and inclined them to' march home rather than 
against the eqemy." 



CHAPTER XH. 

Resignation of Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. 

'* General Stephen Van Rensselaer was not a military man. He was 
possessed of great wealth, extensive social influence and was a leading 
federalist. His appointment was a stroke of po4icy to secure friends to 
the war among that party. It was only on condition that Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, the adjutant general who had been in military service, should 
accompany him, that he consented to take the post. It was well under- 
stood that Colonel Van Rensselaer would be the general, in a practical 
military point of view. Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott had arrived 
at Schlosser, two miles above the falls, at the head of his regiment when 
he was informed by Col. James Collier of the intended expedition against 
Queenston. He immediately mounted his horse and dashed toward 
head quarters as speedily as the horrid condition of the road would allow. 
He presented himself to the commanding general, and earnestly solicited 
the privilege of taking a part in the invasion with his command. ' The 
arrangements for the expedition are all completed, sir,' said General Van 
Rensselaer. ' Colonel Van Rensselaer is in chief command, Lieutenant 
Colonels Christie and Fenwick have waived their rank for the occasion, 
and,you may join the expedition as a volunteer, if you will do the same.' 
Van Rensselaer wisely determined not to have a divided command. Scott 
was unwilling to yield his rank ; but he pressed his suit so warmly that it 
was agreed that he should bring on his regiment, take position on the 
heights of Lewiston with his cannon, and co-operate in the attack as cir- 
curustances might warrant. Scott hastened back to Schlosser, put his 
regiment in motion, and by a forced march through the deep mud reached 
Lewiston at four o'clock in the morning of October. 13th. Again he im- 
portuned for permission to participate directly in the enterprise, but in 
vain. His rank would be equal, on the field, to that of Colonel Van 
Rensselaer, who had originated and planned- the whole affair, and who the 
commanding general resolved should have the honor of winning the laurels 
to be obtainud by leadership. 

"Alter Col. Van Rensselaer was returned to the American side dan- 
gerously wounded, the permission to cross the river, was given by Gen. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 2G1 

Van Rensselaer to Colonel Scott, and take command of the troops on the 
heights, which he did, and fouj^ht bravely. (Jen. Wadsworth was already 
oil the field, havin<^ crossed without orders. The jjenerous and patriotic 
Wadsworth promptly waived his rank, and said, ' You, sir, know profes- 
sionally what ought to be done. 1 am here for the honor of my country 
and that of the New York militia.' Scott at once assumed the general 
command, expecting to be reinforced by the militia Irom the opposite 
shore. He was doomed, however, to most profound mortification and dis- 
appointment." Nine-tenths of our forces a* Lewiston operated upon by 
' conscientious scruples' refused to listen to the expostulations of the 
major general to follow him to the support of their gallant comrades who 
had commenced the day under such flattering prospects. Gen. Wadsworth 
communicated Gen. Van llensselaer's note to the field officers. Escape 
was now impossible, and to fight longer was not only useless but madness. 
After a brief consultation with Towson and Christie, a capitulation was 
determined upon. A flag was accordingly sent, with a proposition. 
After waiting for some time without any tidings another was sent, and 
afterward yet another, neither of which returned, they had all been shot 
by the Indians. Scott therefore determined to go with the flag himself. 
Towson and Christie both resolved to accompany their commander ; a 
white neck-tie taken from Capt. Towson's throat, was fixed on the point 
of Col. Scott's sword which he bore aloft, being the tallest, sheltering them- 
selves behind rocks. " Just as they gained the road, two Indians who 
had been aiming at Scott in the morning, the young and agile chief Brant 
and the more muscular Captain Jacobs, sprang upon them like tigers irom 
their lairs. Scott remonstrated, and made known the character in which 
lie was seeking the British commander, but to no purpose. The Indians 
grappled with them fiercely, and Jacobs succeeded in wrenching the 
sword from the colonel's hand. The blades of Towson and Christie 
instantly leaped from their scabbards, and the Indians were raising their 
hatchets when a British sergeant rushed forward hoarsely exclaiming, 
* Honor' ' Honor !', and having a guard with him, the combatants were 
separated, and Colonel Scott was conducted to the presence of General 
Sheaff'e, to whom he proposed a surrender, and with whom terms of cap- 
itulation were speedily arranged, the general at once saying that they 
should be treated with all the honors of war. Orders were iininediatcly 
given that the firing should cease ; but these orders we^re not promptly 
obeyed, which caused a remonstrance from Col. Scott, and finally a peremp- 
tory demand to be conducted back to his troops. This prolonged fire 
was from the Indians, whom Gen. Sheatfe admitted he could not control, 
as they were exceedingly exasperated at the amount ol their loss, but they 
were presently compelled to desist. When Col. Scott under the protec- 
tion of the flag of truce had been conducted to the British camp and com- 
pleted the preliminary capitulation, then Brigadier General Wadsworth, 
who was in command when the army surrendered, delivered his sword to 
General Sheaff'e in person. The ceremony of formal surrender occurred 
at near sunset, when the prisoners, officers and men were marched to the 
village of Newark at the mouth of the Niagara river the same evening, 
where the colonel and his two principal officers were quartered in a small 
tavern, having invitations the first evening to dine with General Sheafi'e. 
" While waiting for the arrival of an officer to conduct them to the 
general's quarters, there was another incident, equally spirited and e.vcn 
more startling than the scene with the two Indians by the road side. 



262 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, 

Just at twilight, a little girl entered the parlor, with a message that some- 
body in the hall desired to see the ' tall officer.' Colonel Soott thereupon 
stepped out of the parlor, unarmed, of course, into the hall which was 
dark and narrow, and withal incommoded by a stairway ; but what was 
his astonishment on again meeting face to face, his evil geniuses, the 
brawny Captain Jacobs and the light-limbed chief! The colonel had 
shut the door behind him as he left the parlor ; but there was a sentinel 
standing at the outer door, who had improperly allowed the Indians to 
pass in. The dusky visitors stepped up to the colonel without cere- 
mony, and the younger, who alone spoke English, made a brief inquiry 
as to the number of balls which had cut through his clothes, intimating 
astonishment that they had both been firing at him almost the whole day, 
without effect. But while the young Indian was thus speaking, Jacobs, 
rudely seizing the colonel by the arm, attempted to whirl him round, ex- 
claiming in broken English, 'me shoot so often, me sure to have bit 
somewhere.' ' Hands off, you scoundrel,' cried Scott, indignant at such 
freedom with his person, and adding a scornful expression, ' you fired 
like a squaw,' thus reflecting upon the Indian's skill as a marksman, as 
he flung him from him. 

•' The Indians drew instantly both dirk and tomahawk, when, with the 
rapidity of lightning, Scott, who had fortunately espied a number of 
swords standing at the end of the passage, seized one from its iron sheath, 
and placed himself in a posture of defense against the menacing Indians. 
As they stood in this picturesque attitude, Scott with his sword ready to 
strike, and the Indians with their tomahawks and dirks in the air, frown- 
ing defiance upon each other, both parties awaiting the first blow. Colonel 
Coffin, who had been sent with a guard to conduct Scott to the general's 
quarters to dinner, sprang into the passage, and cried ' Hold !' Compre- 
hending at a glance the dangerous position of Scott, he interfered at once, 
by sharp remonstrance, and also by weapon, in his defense. Jacobs, 
exasperated, turned upon Colonel Coffin, and, uttering a menace, his 
companion also unguardedly turned to observe the issue of the new com- 
bat. The scene was of the most exciting and earnest character. The 
Indians having thus turned upon Coffin, one of them exclaimed, ' I kill 
you! ' Scott instantly raised his sabre, which was heavy and substantial, 
so that a descending blow would have fallen upon both the savages at 
once, and called put, ' If you strike, I will kill you both ! ' For a moment 
they stood frowning ; the piercing eyes of the Indians gleaming with wild 
and savage fury, while Scott and Coffin alike looked upon both with 
angry defiance, all with upraised arms and glittering steel. Kecoveriug 
somewhat from the gust of passion into which they had been thrown, 
the Indians then slowly dropped their arms and retired. The officer who 
thus came to the rescue, was the aid of General Sheaffe, whose errand 
was to conduct the colonel to dinner, and who, by this timely arrival, 
probablylsaved his life. The young chief John Brant, though only eight- 
een years of age, had that day, for the first time, led his tribe upon'the 
war path, it was no part of the young chief's design to inflict injury upon 
the captive American commander. His whole character forbids the idea, 
for he was as generous and benevolent in his feelings as he was brave. 

" Having been exhausting much ammunition upon the colonel during 
the day, this visit was one of curiosity, to ascertain how near they had come 
to the acconiplishuicnt of their object. J.ike Cassius, the Indian bears 
anger as the flint does fire though not always cold so soon. It was the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 263 

snme with Scott. Neither would allow of personal freedom, the colonel 
did not fully comprehend the oliject of their visit, and a sudden rencontre^ 
that had well nijrh proved fatal, was the consequence. 

" Col Scott had counted his own men and knew there were less than 
three hundred, but shortly after, tlie jjeneral order of Gen. SheaHe ap- 
peared, it was announced tliat nine hundred Americans were taken pri- 
soners. Col. Scott immediately called upon Gen. Sheaffe, and remonstrated 
a<;ainst such an exagp;eration. On an investifjation of the discrepancy, it 
appeared that several huncAed militia had crossed over duriiii; the morning. 
Two hundred of them under Major Mullany, who crossed early in the day, 
were forced by the current of the river under the range of Vrooman's 
battery, and were captured. Two hundred and ninety-three, who were in 
the battle were surrendered, and the remainder, having seen the wounded 
crossing the river, the painted Indians, and the ' green tigers,' as they 
called the 4yth, whose coats were iaeed with green, skulked below the 
banks, not engaging in the battle. But they were a part of the invading 
army, were found on British soil, and were properly prisoners of war. 
The British soldiers, atter the battle, plucked them from their hiding- 
places, and made them a part of the triumphal procession with which Gen. 
Sheaffe returned to Fort George. 

"Taking all things into consideration the passage of the river, the nature 
of the ground, the rawness of the troops, the absence of cannon, and the 
first military combat in which either men or officers (with the single excep- 
tion of Colonel Van Rensselaer) had been engaged, the events of that day 
were, indeed, a display of intrepidity rarely exhibited in which the condcut 
and the execution were equally conspicuous. Under nil the circumstances, 
and on the scale of the operations, the impartial soldier and competent 
judge will name this brilliant affair a chef (V uuvre of the war. 

" After the fall of Colonel Van Kcnsselaer, Captain John E. Wool became 
the hero of the day, both in storming and carrying the heights, notwith- 
standing a flesh wound, and in causing the death of both General Brock 
and his aid. The names of the officers who accompanied Col. Van llens- 
selaer on this hardy enterprise, (Major Lush, Lieuts. Randolph and Gan- 
sevoort, Lieut. Rathbonc, Capts. Malcolm, Wool, Armstrong, Ogilvie and 
Lieuts. Kearney, Sammons, Carr, Hugoniu, and Ensign 3Iorrisofthe I3th 
infantry of whom two were killed and four wounded, were noble men. 
The conspicuous gallantry of Lieutenant Randolph attracted the attintlon 
of the encmi/ and excited the admiration of his brethren in arms) they all 
deserve to be engraved on the scroll of fame, for surmounting obstacles 
almost insuperable, in the iace of a most determined enemy, under a very 
heavy fire, and dislndging and pursuing a superior force, composed of two 
companies of the 49th British regiment, advantageously posted, with a 
large hotly of auxiliary militia and Indians. Here true valor, so often 
mistaken for animal courage, was attested by an appeal to the bayonet, 
which finally decided the conflict without a shot. In the American service, 
temerity is too often taken for bravery, yet the distinction between them 
is as wide as between blindness and vision Marshal .Saxe when a youth 
was seen ,to court danger in the battle of Malplaquet, and afterwards at the 
siege of Bethune in l-'landers. for which he was couijiliniented by the tribe 
of courtiers. This drew from Prince Eugene the following wholesome 
admonitions: "La temerite ue passera pas pour bravoure, vous ne devez 
pas les confondre, car les connoisseurs ne s'y meprendront pas." 



264 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Gen. Van Bensselaer to Major Oen. Brock. 
gir, Head Quarters, Lewiston 13th Oct., 1812. 

Humanity induces me to request your permission to send to Queens- 
town some Surgeons to attend tlie officers and men who have had the mis- 
fortune to he wounded this day, and are prisoners at Queenstown. 

ATeeably to the proposition which I had this afternoon the honor to 
receive, as coming from you, I have agreed to a cessation of firing for 
three days. I haVe the honour, &c. 

Major General Isaac Brock. 

Major Oen. Sheaffe to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Fort George, 13th Oct., 1812. 

I lose not a moment in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of this 
date, and am pleased to learn, at the same time, that the officer command- 
ing at Queenstown, having opened it, had acceded to your proposal of 
sending surgeons to aid the wounded prisoners, without incurring the 
delay which would have been occasioned by a reference to me ; but, as 
our means of affording assistance to them, as well as to our own wounded, 
may be inadequate, I beg leave to propose that the wounded prisoners, 
whose cases may admit of removal, should be sent over to you, on con- 
dition of not serving again, until regularly exchanged. Though the pro- 
position which I had the honour of making to you to day, did not go to 
the extent which, by some mistake, you were led to suppose, yet I readily 
concur with you in agreeing to a cessation of firing for three days, and I 
transmit orders to that effect to the officers commanding at the several 
posts on this line. I have the honpur &c. 

Major General Van Kensselaer, commanding Lewiston. 

Major Oen. Sheaffe to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir; _ Fort George 13th Oct., 1812. 

Having delayed sending my accompanying letter to give General Wads- 
worth, and the other officers, who are prisoners, an opportunity of sending for 
some necessary articles, I have the honor, at the same time to propose an 
J^xchange of Prisoners, including those who were taken some days ago in 
the two Vessels cut out from Fort Erie Harbour. I have further to pro- 
pose. Sir, that the Militia, taken prisoners, exceeding the number that may 
be exchange, shall be restored to their homes and families under an 
engagement not to serve against Great Britain, or her Allies, during the 
war, or until regularly exchanged. I have the honour &c. 

Major General Van Kensselaer. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to Major Oen. Brock.^ 
Sir, Head Quarters Lewiston 14th Oct., 1812. 

• Agreeably to your permission, verbally communicated, last night, to 
Capt. Dox, I send Surgeons for the purpose proposed. And I have, 
now, to request, that an officer and Detachment of men, sufficient for the 
purpose, may be permitted to bring the Dead Bodies over the Biver in Boats. 
Also to send the officers, who are prisoners, tlieir Baggage and Cash. 
Major General Isaac Brock. I have the honour &c. 



' Altlioujrli it was reported and believed that the commander, General Brock, had 
fallen, it was not yet oiiicially known, and consequently the official despatches 
■were still addressed to the dead hero. 



Legacy of Historiqal Gleanings. 265 

Capt. J. Dennis to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Queenstown 14th Ocfobcr, 1812. 

I am directed to inform you, by Major Geii. Sheaffe, that the service 
of burying the dead was ordered at an early hour yesterday eveniuj^: and 
in consequence, I proceeded with that duty to the fallen brave at an early 
• hour this morning, which waacoinpleated as far as they could be discovered 
in the wood, when your letter of this date arrived this forenoon. Had I 
known of your wishes, yesterday evening, I should have given every assist- 
ance within my power towards their satisfaction. 

I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Obt. Hble. Sert., 

J. Dennis, Capt. 49, Gen. Commanding. 
Major General Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. Sheaffe to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Fort George, 14th Oct. 1812. 

I have the honor of receiving your letter of this date respecting the 
employing an officer and a sufficient number of men to collect and convey 
over the Bodies of the Dead .for the purpose of burial, this service is 
reported to me to have been nearly completed, in consequence of orders 
which I gave yesterday. But should any body, or bodies still remain unin- 
terred that you may particularly desire to have possession of, the officer 
commanding at Queenstown shall be directed to afford every facility for 
recognizing and removing them. I have the honor to be 

Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. with great Respect. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Sheaffe. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston 14tli Oct. 1812. 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date 
relative to the Bodies of the Dead. I know of no particular case in which, 
under existing circumstances, I ought to avail myself of your humane 
permission. To the general Proposition contained in your letter of yes- 
terday, respecting the Exchange of Prisoners, I readily accede ; and now 
send Captain Dox who will immediately meet such Agent as you may 
please to appoint to confer on the subject, and make such arrangements 
as may most speedily carry the agreement into effect. 

Major General Sheaffe. I have the honor &c., &c. 

Gen. Wadsworth to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Newai:k, Upper Canada, Oct., 14, 1812. 

It falls to my lot to observe that myself and upwards of Forty Officers 
are prisoners at this place. Many officers and soldiers fell yesterday. 
I am not yet made acquainted with what the situation of my Officers and 
Soldiers is to be. We are yet in much confusion. Much difficulty arises 
this morning for the want of Specie ; the Officers, generally, the State 
Bank Bills will not be received at all. If the officers could be relieved 
by an exchange of Bills for silver, it would be much for their comfort. 
Excuse me from saying anything further at this moment. I hope soon to 
have the liberty of writing you again. I cannot conclude without ex- 
pressing my satisfaction of the treatment received from Gen. Sheaffe and 
his officers since we fell to his possession. I have the honor &c. 

Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer. 

34 



^Bm^mtm* 



266 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Alexander, Evening of the 14th October, 1812. 

I told you the dreadful day of Battle was at hand. Yesterday was that 
day in good earnest. I lament that I am not in situation to detail all 
particulars. I can only sketch the outline. But first let me tell you that 
Gen. Van Eensselaer was placed in a situation where he had only the al- 
ternative of eternal disgrace upon his own Character, and the army, or to 
give the enemy Battle, this I can demonstrate to the world. Thus situated 
he decided for Battle. At 4 oclock yesterday morning our column of 300 
Militia under the command of Col. Van Rensselaer; and one column of 
300 Regulars, under the command of Lieut. Col. Christie embarked in 
Boats to dislodge the enemy from the Heights of Queenstown, opposite 
our camp. They were to land under cover of a Battery of 2 Eighteen 
Pounders, and two Sixes. As the fire from this Battery was all important 
and to be directed by very scant light ; and if illy directed would be fatal 
to ourselves, Gen. Van Rensselaer did me the very great honor to direct it. 
The River is rapid, and full of whirlpools and eddies; the movement was 
instantly discovered ; the shore was one incessant blaze from Musketry ; 
three liatteries pelted upon the Boats. My Battery pelted alternately 
upon the Batteries, and upon Musketry on shore ; while a snug little 
mortar near by complimented my battery liberally with shells. In a word 
the scene was tremendous. The Boats were a little embarrassed. But Col. 
Van Rensselaer made good his landing in a perfect sheet of fire. He had 
advanced but a few steps when he received a shot through his right thigh, 
entering just back of the hip bone; he still advanced with his van; re- 
ceived another shot through the same thigh ; he still advanced and re- 
ceived a third shot thro' the calf of his left leg; he still advanced, then a 
fourth shot contused his heel badly; he still advanced till he was really 
riddled by other balls through his legs and thigh. Thus bleeding at six 
holes, and very lame in his heel, he halted in fire, and with perfect pre- 
sence of mind, directed his officers of whom Stephen Lush was one, who is 
now with us unhurt [Lieut. Lush was subsequently dangerously wounded 
before Chippewa in October, 1814,] to rush forward and storm the first 
Battery. It was gallantly done. Both parties reinforced fast; every 
Battery played its best. The conflict spread wide and became general 
over tl-.c Heights. The enemy gave way, and fled in every direction. A 
large body of them got behind a stone Guard-House, in which was mounted 
apiece of heavy ordnance. I directed both 18-Pounders against it, we 
raked them severely ; and at the eighth shot tumbled up a heap of men, 
and 1 believe dismounted the Gun ; at any rate we silenced it. The Squad 
then fled behind Judge Hamilton's stone house, our Eighteen's raked 
them from there, and what could, fled ; with our sixes we used grape as 
opportunity oftered. By this time, about 10 o'clock the enemy's fire, ex- 
cept one Gun, out of our reach, down the river, was silenced, victory 
senicd complete. 

[The British forces were driven from the battery down the heights, 
and the rising sun shone upon the American Jlag on the Hel(ihts of 
Qiicensto7i, prorlaiminij victori/. This gallant and brave act had re- 
deemed our young officers and soldiers from the charges which had 
been profusely made of cowardice and treachery, but they were too 
few in number to retain the advantages they had so brilliantly gained. 
Thib unrivaled effort raised the character of the army in the estimation 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings 267 

of the people, and in some decree served to wipe out the uution:il dis- 
honor of tliat canipaif^n.] The battle was long and severe. Many 
are killed and many wounded on both sides. The General had passed 
over to the Heights, but sent me back to urge on the tmops which 
were passing over to support the two columns. Soon alter the (jcneral 
got over, and was taking a bite of bread and cheese in John Hull's 
barracks (for he had eaten no breakfast) a Detachment of some hundreds 
of Indians from Chippeway arrived, and commenced their attack with 
great fury : but the Rifle and the Bayonet scattered the sons of Helial and 
drove them to the woods. Still the lleinlbrcements moved over very 
slowly and in short stopped. [The (Jeneral returned to accelerate thera, 
lie mounted a borrowed horse and I rode with him every where urging 
on the troops, for not one half of them had passed over, liut the name 
of Indian ; the sight of the wounded brought ofl", or the devil, or somrfhimj 
else, petrified them. Not a Regiment, not a company, scarcely a man 
would go. Lt. Col. Bloom, who had returned wounded, from the Heights, 
mounted his horse, exhorted, swore, prayed, the troops who were standing 
paraded, with arms in their hands, to advance. Next (but from whence 
he came I know not) Old Judge I'eck, appeared, with a large cocked 
hat, and long sword with a broad white belt. He preached and prayed, 
but in vain.] By this time Gen. JJrock had got a large reinforcement of 
regulars on their way from fort George. Knowing that our grand Battery 
was the best check to their ascending the Heights, I ran my horse there, 
about one mile, to put again our round and grape shot in motion. The 
four pieces were shotted, but to my mortification, before the reinforce- 
ment came within our reach, they ubli(|ued to the right, went in the rear 
of the woods, formed a junction with the Indians, and prepared to renew 
the attack. The Ammunition of the men on the Heights was nearly ex- 
pended, for they had now fought, with little intermission for eleven hours. 
The General sent them some supplies, which I think could scarcely have 
reached them, when at about half past four commenced a furious, obsti- 
nate and tremendous conflict. On both sides fixed cannon, Flying Artillery 
and roll of musketry, the mountains seemed to shake beneath the stride 
of death. It continued about half a hour — when the brave fellows who 
had waded through blood to victory, exhausted of strength and ammuni- 
tion [and overwhelmed with grief at the conduct of their brother soldiers,] 
yielded the day. I cannot say how many have fallen — how many wounded, 
and how many may have taken to the woods to escape the I'ury of the 
Indians, and swim or otherwise cross the river as they can. The British 
have suffered much : BiiuCK is slain : his Aid-de-Cump Col. McDonald, 
mortally wounded. General Van Rensselaer is perfectly well, and his 
conduct through the whole action would do honor to an old Soldier. 

This day has been spent in burying dead, dressing wounded on both 
sides of the river — collecting together again the public property, negotiat- 
ing an exchange of prisoners, and all the duties consequent on such an 
obstinate and bloody battle. Both parties have suffered severely, but 
which the most, in slain I cannot tell. We took but few prisoner*^ — they 
have taken a very considerable number, among whom is General Wads- 
worth. Reports are so various, that I might injure more than I should 
console by details. Lush is well, Ganscvoort is well, both here. Sweney 
late of Albany, is wounded and a prisoner, but the Surgeon who dressed 
him, tells me he will recover. Rathbun, I liave heard is pretty severely 
wounded and a prisoner. Capt. John E. Wool of Troy got over. I have 



268 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

seen him, shot thro' the buttocks, but he behaved very well in action. 
Now uiind ihin, young Smith, nephew of Walter Van Vechten, behaved 
well in action ; is prisoner at Fort George — well, he wrote me to day, he 
will be exchanged, on parole in a few days, as I expect all the Militia 
will. General Sheaffe has made that proposition to day. Major Mullany 
js prisoner unhurt. Col. Stranahan is prisoner, I believe wounded, but 
not badly. Grosvenor (brother of Tom) had his Rifle cap shot through 
and all round, but he is unhurt here. Lt. Col. Fenwick of the Light 
Artillery has severe wounds, he may recover, he was taken; Grosvenor 
retook him, and then he was taken again. We have lost a number of 
brave officers. 

Solomon's wounds are severe; but he is well taken care of, sleeping 
now by my side, and there is no doiilt of his recovery. As for myself, I 
am exceedingly exhausted — two nights without a wink — 30 hours without 
a morsel. I have a little fatigue fever, but shall be well : indeed I do 
my duty now. I am a little fearful that my hearing is hurt. I stood for 
hours between the two 18 Pounders, and they have strained my head too 
hard. The Shells I could shun by falling in the mud. Pray console my 
family, tell them to bless God that I am safe. I have preserved for them 
one cannon ^r/// which passed my head by 20 inches, and I gave a soldier 
50 cents to dig it up for me. In the end, you will find we had a hard 
fought day. Truly Yours, 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. 

Col. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 

My dear Harriot, Lewiston 15th October, 1812. 

The day before yesterday a little before day-break I crossed the river 
with a Detachment of Troops and opposite to this place, under a heavy 
fire of the enemy carried an important post on the Heights of Queeustown, 
which owing to my being wounded, was soon after retaken by the British. 
Had there been more men cool and deliberate with the officers, they would 
have maintained it with ease. Many were killed and wounded on both 
sides. Genl. Brock was killed and his Aid mortally wounded. I received 
Balls near my hip, in my thighs, leg and a contused heel. There are no 
bones broken, and neither of them dangerous, though very painful. The 
General and Lovett are well. Stephen Lush acted as my Aid, Gansevoort 
was also with me, they are not hurt. Adieu, keep up your spirits, and 
rest assured I am in no danger. Kiss the children for me and my love 
to all. I am my dear Harriot your sincere and affectionate Husband. 

Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. ^^^- ^'^^ Rensselaer. 

Oen. Van Benssdaer to Gen. Sheaffe. 

Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston 15 Oct., 1812. 

Capt. Dox, whom I yesterday sent to Fort George to make the necessary 
arraniretLcnts for an Exchange of Prisoners, being assigned for other 
duty this day, I now send Col. Winder, to complete the business, and I 
flatter myself there will be no objection to this substitution. Col. Winder 
is further instructed to communicate to you my wishes upon several sub- 
jects, (a continuation of the Armistice) and by any stipulation which he 
may enter into respecting them I shall be governed. 

Major General Sheaffe. ^ ^^^^ ^^« ^o^O"'^ ^^' 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 209 

Agreement for the BkccJinnge of Priaonera. 

The Militia to be crossed over to Fort Niagara on their parole not to 
serve during the war; or. until regularly exchanged. Take Cajit. 
Leonard's Receipt for the Number crossed over. The officers to be exchangt-d 
from the line, to be drawn by lot, or, by the direction of Major General 
Yan Ren-sselacr. A Medical Per.son will be sent over tomorrow to select 
from the wounded those individuals to be crossed over. This Medical 
Officer will, also, determine the case of any wounded officer that it may be 
advisable to have paroled. The British Prisoners, at Hlack Hock, to be 
set at liberty as soon as possible ; and those at Lewiston, tomorrow morning. 
The Commanding Officers at Fort Krie and Queenstown, respectively, to 
give Receipts for those who may be crossed over to those places. 

James Mallay. conductor of King's stores, to be exchanged for a Sub- 
altern of the line. The Thirty-seven Voyagers to be considered exchanged 
as Militia. Signed, at Newark. 

Wm. Winder Col. 14 Reg. U.S. Army. 

Thos. Evans Brigade Major Kings Regt. 

Colonel Winder wrote to Gen. Van Rensselaer that Maj. Gen. SheafTe 
had mentioned to him an Indian chief in possession of Gen. V.R. as a 
prisoner, lie was willing to exchange him for a major of militia. The 
answer was in substance that Indian for Indian was the fair exchange. 

Major General SJieqffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Fort Geortre, 16th Oct., 1S12. 

I have heard with great regret that Col. Van Rensselaer is badly wounded. 
If there be any thing at my command, that your side of the river cannot 
furnish, which would be either useful or agreeable to him, 1 beg that you 
will be so good as to have me apprised of it. 

I have the honour to be, sir, with much esteem, 

Your very devoted servant, 

R. U. Sheaffe. 

Major Gen. Sheaffe to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812. 

As the period assigned to the cessation of hostilities is drawing to a ter- 
mination; and the intended exchange of prisoners and sending over the 
wounded and the militia will require much more time than remains of it ; 
and as, moreover, part of this day is to be devoted to paying the last offices 
of humanity to the remains of my departed friend and General, I feel it to 
be my duty to propose a prolongation of the armistice to such a period as 
may be necessary for the complete execution of those humane purposes. 
Lists are prepared for all the prisoners here, distintiuishing those of the 
line from militia; and Brigade Major Evans, who has been appointed by 
me to arrange (he business with Capt. Dox, will be ready to proceed in it, 
as soon :us that officer comes over. I have the honour &c. 

Major General Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Sheaffe. 
Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, Oct. IGth, 1812. 

I have this moment had the honour to receive your two letters of the 
present date I most cheerfully agree to extend the cessation of ho^tili- 
ties for a time amply sufficient to discharge all duties of humanity to the 



270 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

brave who are wounded, or prisoners ; and the just tribute of respect to 
the trallant dead. For these purposes I agree to the further cessation of 
hostriities, until 4 o'clock of the afternoon of the 19th instant. 

I shall onler a salute for the funeral of General Brock to be fired here, 
and at Fort Niagara, this afternoon. 

You will please to accept, sir, the grateful acknowledgments of Col. 
Van Rensselaer and myself, for your kind offer of anything in your power 
which might contribute to his comfort. I do not know that he is at pre- 
sent destitute of anything essential. 

As this, sir, is probably the last communication I shall have the honour 

to make to you from this station, I avail myself of the opportunity to 

tender you the assurance of my great esteem and consideration. 

,, . ^ , o, rr I have the honour, &c. 

Major General bheaiie. 

Captain N. Leonard to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Fort Niagara, Oct. 16th, 1812, 4 o'clock p. m. 

I have the honor to acknowledge * * * of this Instant. The Salute 
in honor of Gen. Brock will be fired at Sun-set. I delivered your letter 
to Col. Winder. I am, &c. 

Major General Van Rensselaer. 

Major Gen. Sheaffe to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812. 

I feel too strongly the generous tribute which you propose to pay to 
my departed friend and chief, to be able to express the sense I entertain 
of it. Noble-minded as he was, so would he have done himself 

I have directed the prolongation of the armistice until four o'clock in 
the afternoon of the 19th instant, to be communicated along this line. 

I feel a perfect confidence, sir, that nothing will be omitted on your 
part to ensure a strict execution of the agreement respecting the militia 
oSicers and men, as well as any others not yet exchanged, who are re- 
leased from their captivity. 

Allow me. sir, to express a hope that the time is not far distant when 

the restoration of peace and amity between our respective countries, may 

afford me an opportunity of assuring you, personally, of the respect and 

esteem with which T have the honour to be, sir. 

Your most obedient and devoted servant, 

,, . ri 1 ir T> 1 i^- H. Sheafe, Mai. General, &c. 

Maj. General Van Rensselaer, ' *• ' 

The British Major General Sheaffe was an American, he resided dur- 
ing the American revolution in Boston. Earl Percy was quartered in 
the house of young Sheaffo's widowed mother, at the time when Boston 
was in possession of the British. The earl became greatly interested in 
the boy of 15 years and desiring to take him to England, he was per- 
mitted to do so, giving him a military education and placing him in the 
British army. When young Sheaffe was a major general, at the com- 
mencement of the war of 1812, he was stationed in Canada; he did not 
wish to serve against the Americans and stated his objections and reluct- 
ance to do 80, rcf(ucsting to be transferred to sime other country. His 
solicitation was not regarded. For his exploit in capturing Colonel Scott 
and his little band at Queeiiston heights, he was created a baronet, and 
ever afterward was known as Sir Ro^^er Sheaffe: 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 271 

'* His sister Margaret Sheaffe married John lU Livingston, tlieri .1 
Boston merchant, in 1779 ; and ilied in Boston 17S4, at the age ol twenty- 
four. General La Fayette visited and admired her. He ont-e said to 
her lover, ' Were I not a married man, 1 would try and cut you out.' 
After his return to France, the mar(|uis sent her a ' satin cardinal, lined 
■with ermine, and an elegant silk garment to wear under it.' The relic 
•was long preserved." 

" When General Sheaffe marched in triumph from Queenston to New- 
ark, he took with him the 'body of the slain General Brock, which had 
been concealed in a house near where he fell. The njarch had a two- 
fold aspect. It was a triumphal and a luneral procession. At Newark 
the body was placed in the government house, and there it lay in state 
three days, when it was buried, on October IGth, in a new cavalier bastion 
in Fort George, whose erection he had superintended with great interest. 
By the side of Brock's remains were laid those of his provincial aid-de- 
camp, Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell. When the funeral ceremonies were 
over, the Americans at Fort Niagara and at J^ewiston fired miuute-guus 
as a mark of respect." 

lion. Abraham Van VecMen to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear sir, Albany, October 20th 1812. 

The Da»h has been made. I am relieved from much painful appre- 
hension. Harriet bears the Shock with fortitude. Your letter tt Hox's 
information have quieted her mind. She & the child are in a fair way. 
Take care of yourself. Do not irritate your wounds by fretting, and 
premature exposure. In this Injunction I am not single, all those whose 
wishes & solicitude for your speedy recovery claim respect concur in it. 
Lovett must keep you in good Spirits & a placid humour ; but refrain 
from every thing that may produce too great excitements. He will be a 
good nurse, if he does not present an old Gentleman with a white Sash, 
in a certain moving attitude too early before you. Yours &c., 

Ab. Van Vechten. 

Col. Solomon Van llensselaer. Head Quarters, Lewiston. 

M((jar Lovett to Hon. Abraliam Van Vechten, 
Dear Sir, Buffalo, 21st Oct., 1812. 

I know that you are anxious to hear from us, and I should have written 
you several days ago ; but really I could not command a single moment of 
time to do it: and besides the privations to wliich our late situation 
subjected us has worn me down a good deal. The preparations for the 
battle were extensive — the various emergences of the day called for great 
effort ; the scenes of the night were trying, and the duties of tlie following 
day arduous. It is over; and as I have but little time now, I shall write 
but a word. The Battle was by no means a matter of <7/o/Vt, but absolute 
necessity with Geiil. Van llensselaer — A flood of circumstances had con- 
vinced the Genl. as early as the beginning of this month that a blow must 
be struck. He was therefore maturing a plan to close the campaign in 
the most honorable way he could. But the impetuosity of not only nien, 
but his first officers became such that he was absolutely compelled to go 
to battle, or risk such consequences as no man could endure. * * * The 
Army are immensely attached to Gcnl. Van llensselaer and Solomon : and 
they arc almost frantic at their departure. The (Jeiieral feels all the 
solicitude that a Patriot jealoua of his honor can experience; but he is 



272 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

cheerful, and reposes himself on solid consciousness of having done all 
that niun could do iu his situation. * * * On the morning of the ISth I 
mounted Colonel Van Rensselaer on a cot, rigged with cross-bars and side 
poles and a Detachment of Major Mosely's Riflemen brought him by hand 
to Schlosser, where we tarried that night. As we passed the main Battery 
at Lewiston, they fired a sa lute of six guns and cheered the Hero heartily. 
On the 19th I embarked him on board a Boat, and arrived here at 8 
oclock in the evening. 

The Genl. is here in perfect health, and will continue here till he can 
hear from Genl. Dearborn, and then I expect, he will return home. I 
shall not leave Solomon. He is badly shot to pieces : has one more ball 
in the thigh than what is stated in the official paper ; but he is in quiet 
quarters where he has every attention. His wounds work well, he will 
recover and be a well man ; but I fear he will never leave oflF fighting. 
Indulge no solicitude as to his recovery * * * Let Solomon's Wife know 
all about him, assure her 1 shall not leave him, hut will return him safe 
to her. * * * I am Yours very truly, 

Abraham Van Vechten, Esq. John Lovett. 

Colonel Lovett furnished Col. V. R. with a pair of white-top boots, his 
own having been cut from his legs, filled with blood on the 13th, and his 
crutches were presented by a French gentleman. The first time the in- 
valid entered the common room, quite feeble, pale and thin, finding it 
very unpleasant to walk, Lovett while assisting him to do so, with a desire 
to make him laugh said : " Well Van, here we go, French fore legs, Dutch 
himl legs, and Yankee hoots." 

" The following report of Captain John E. Wool will put to rest several 
controverted points regarding the sequel of the aifair of Queenston, 
about which there has been so much misrepresentation. Captain Wool 
at this time was only twenty-three years of age, he had never been under 
fire before that morning, and was already wounded. Elated with the order 
to capture the heights, young Wool almost forgot his bleeding wounds. 
He was light and lithe in person, full of ambition and enthusiasm. 

Capt. Wool to Colonel Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Buffalo Oct. 23, 1812 

I have the honour to communicate to you the circumstances attending 
the storming of Queenstown battery on the loth instant; with those 
which happened previously you are already well acquainted. 

In pursuance oj'your order we proceeded round the point, and ascended 
the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. We took it 
without much resistance. I immediately formed the troops in the rear 
of the battery, and fronting the village, when I observed Gen. Brock with 
his troops formed, consisting of four companies of the 49th Regiment and 
a few Militia, marching for our left flank. I immediately detached a 
party of one hundred and fiity men, to take possession of the heights 
above Queenstown battery and to hold Gen. Brock iu check, but iu con- 
sequence of his superior force they retreated. I sent a reinforcement, 
nuthwitlistandiug which, the enemy drove us to the edge of the bank, 
when with the greatest exertion we brought the troops to a stand and 
ordered the officers to bring their men to a charge as soon as the ammu- 
nition was expended, which was executed with some coufusion, and in a 
few miuutea, the enemy retreated. We pursued them to the edge of the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 273 

heights, when Col. McDonell had his horse shot from under him, and 
himself mortally wounded. In the mean time Gen. Brock, in attempting 
to rally his forces, was killeil, when the enemy dispersed in every direc- 
tion. As soon as it was practicable, I formed the troops in a line on tho 
heights fronting the villaire, and immediately detached flanking parties 
which consisted of Captain M'Chesney of the Gth Regiment, Lieut. Smith 
and Ensign Grosvenor with a small detachment of Riflemen which had that 
moment arrived; at the same time I ordered Jjieut. Gansevoortand Lieut. 
Randolph with a detachment of artillery to drill out an eighteen pounder 
which had been previously spiked, and if possible to bring it to bear upon 
the village. The wounded and prisoners I ordered to be collected and 
sent to the guard house. About this time, which was between three and 
four o'clock in the afternoon, Lieut. Col. Christie arrived and took the 
command. He ordered me across the river to get my wounds dressed. 
I remained a short time. Our flankinj^ pjlrties had been driven in by tho 
Indians, but Gen. Wadsworth and other oflicers arriving, we had a short 
skirmish with them and they retreated, and I crossed the river. Tlio 
officers engaged in storming the Battery, were Capts. Wool and Ogilvie ; 
Lieuts. Kearney, MugQnin, Carr and Sammons of the 13th ; Lieuts. Gan- 
sevoort and Randolph of the Light Artillery, and Major Lush of the Mi- 
litia. I recommend to your particular notice Lieuts. Randolph, Carr and 
Kearney, for their brave conduct exhibited during the whole of the action. 
I have the honour to be 

Your most obt. humble servt. 

John E. Wool, 
Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Capt. 13th Reg. Inf. 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Alexander, Sunday Evening, Oct. 25th, 1812, 

On the 23d, General Van Rensselaer, by permission, resigned his com- 
mand to Brig. Gen. Smyth, and tomorrow morning starts for Albany. -It 
was my intention to have stolen time eno' to have written you a long 
letter stuffed with important truths by this conveyance ; but for three 
days past it has been nothing but Despatches, copies of despatches, and 
copies of copies 'till my brains are despatched. These things by day, 
and Solomon by night wear me down pretty close to the old stuff" which 
has not yet failed, and I trust in God it will not fail me. I shall now 
have leisure to post up my day Book expense account, and put my travel- 
ing tabernacle in order. When I shall start for Albany is just as uncer- 
tain as when Solomon will be able to travel. His wounds are deep and 
Bevere ; but he is heart-whole and will recover — leave him I cannot, and 
will not. I hope he may move in four weeks. I know you have a buzz, 
and 10,000 opinions of the Battle : all I can say to you in this moment of 
time is, don't be hasty in your opinions : you cannot view the whole 
ground yet, but you will soon, and be satisfied. I tell you for a truth 
never to be yielded, there was no middle course : Battle, or wide, personal, 
and public disgrace was the alternative : this / knoic was the truth, and 
truth must ultimately prevail. I hardly know what I wrote you in my 
hurry at the close of the battle ; but it was undoubtedly the truth as far 
as I then understood the facts. I have since by permission forwarded a 
lengthy communication to Van Vechten on the suljject, to be used at liis 
discretion. But there are facts still behind, resting on documents, which 

35 



274 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

the General has not yet communicated to any one. In a word, be patient, 
and learn the whole; and then you will have no occasion to complain. 
Wait a few weeks, and the Campaign will disclose its oton facts. I find 
not an oiBcer, not a soldier who was in the battle, but justifies the whole — 
indeed the complete success of the battle justifies itself; we carried all 
that we proposed, and held it from morn 'till night, and had double the 
force necessary to have retained it. Never were men braver than those 
engaged. The several actions were sharp : but all the world was not 
killed nor wounded as some have represented. Exact truth upon this 
subject can never be known — it is impossible — the aggregate of our in- 
formation would about warrant this : Killed 60 — wounded 170 — Prisoners, 
balance against us, say 720. As to numbers the slaughter was probably 
about even on both sides. But Characters diflfer. We lost no officer of 
higher rank than Captain. 

All Cahada mourns her truly gallant Brock and Col. McDonald,' his 
Aid-de-Camp, was the Attorney General of the Province, their second Idol. 
I knew him. Two Indian Chief's fell — we took one. The Armistice which 
was agreed upon after the Battle for three days, has been continued, and 
now exists : when it will end I cannot say. Since the Battle every thing 
has been conducted in that character which will forever honor civilized 
nations. The Salute which we fired at Brocks Funeral, almost over- 
whelmed General Sheafi"e. With sensibility which almost choked his ut- 
terance, he exclaimed to an officer standing by him : " Noble minded as 
General Brock ivas, he loould have ordered the same had a like disaster 
hefallni the Enemy." 

On hearing this Genl. V. R., was almost overwhelmed. My friend, 
the scenes of war are trying, and where, where in God's name, are 
they to end ? My soul is in agony while I review the situation of our 
Country. 

Governor Tompkins, by exceeding hard driving has so managed, and 
economized his time as to be able to be in season to get here too late. 
He arrived here this day. Why, or for what, is more than I can tell you. 
He has been closeted almost the whole day with the General ; but I can- 
not learn that he has any plan, or plan of a plan, or copy of a plan's, 
plan's plan. I know that which 1 will not write, wait a little, I say, 
wait, do not descant, nor condemn until you know the real situation in 
which Gen. Van Rensselaer has had to act. At bottom you will find the 
friend — the Patriot, and the Soldier. — I fear my hearing is ruined : it is 
not much better now than the day after the battle — the Lord deliver me, 
I say, from the Music of 18 Pounders, with bombs for the rough Bass, 
and Sixes for the treble. 

Tell my dear family all you know of us — and my love to all my old 
friends. Last of all, pay your General that Respect and attention which 
his toils, privations and Soldiership entitle him to. 

Your assured friend, 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany, J. Lovett. 

" Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer found much that was offens- 
ive to Ills sensitive feelings in the absurd rivalry of the regular officers 

' " Lieutenant McDoncll was a brilliant and promising young man, only twenty- 
nvt! ynirs ot a<jo. He was wounded in five places, one bullet i)assing through his 
body, yet he Hurvived twenty hours in great agony. During that time he con- 
stantly lamented the lall of his commander." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 275 

and the heartless conduct of the militia. This truly valiant band previous 
to the action, he well knew insisted on bein<^ led on against the enemy to 
drive them from the Niagara peninsula, so that they could return home. 
Many of them threatened to leave the camp unless led to immediate action, 
and now wliat a disgraceful change. After the commencement of the 
battle, the sight of the wounded, as they were brought across the river covered 
with blood, and the groans of the dying, cooled their military ardor. 
They now appeared to have made the discovery that the constitution did 
not require them to go beyond the limits of the United J^tates. Rather 
than cro.ss over to an enemy's country to be shot at, with a chance of 
being killed, or made cripples for life, they determined to forego their 
chance of obtaining military honors. Several hundred of the militia, 
after they had crossed over to the Canadian shore, availed themselves of 
the darkness and other facilities to hide themselves in the clefts of the 
rocks, where they remained in concealment during the day, iind were only 
dragged by the legs from their lurking places by the British troops after 
the surrender of the fightinir part of the Americans. All this had been 
very annoying to General Van Rensselaer, and having obtained permis- 
sion from Gov. Tompkins to retire from the station, on October 2:^, 18lL', 
he resigned his situation as commander and General xVlexander Smyth 
became his successor." On the arrival of Gen. Van Rensselaer at Albany 
October 31st, he was justly honored by a public reception. Tennis Van 
Vechten, Isaac Hauser, and Peter Boyd were the committee appointed 
by the common council to make the necessary arrangement for the event. 
The reception was as imposing and highly gratifying to the general as it 
was pleasant to those who tendered the compliment. General Van Rens- 
selaer never forgot, in his subsequent unparalleled prosperity the Almighty 
power that had watched over and protected him during that eventful 
Struggle." 

Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
My dear Friend, Buffalo Nov. 2d, 1812. 

Anchored as we are in this infernal region, it was very reasonable for 
us to expect letters from some of our friends by the last mail, but we got 
nqne. Conscious that our little Family have done all that they could, and 
more than any other three Men have, or can do, we feel tranquil, and how- 
ever the world may, for the present, attempt to dispose of the Battle of 
Queenstown, in the end / do knoio that Truth will prevail, and it will be 
acknowledged that all that could be done has been done. Every day 
furnishes new evidence of the astonishing intrepidity of the Americans 
engaged in the action. The fact is repeated, over and over again, by 
British Officers, that in the first place, they did not believe we would tight 
at all ; and in the next, that the men fought more like Devils than any 
thing else ; that for the first ten hours, all resistance opposed was perfectly 
idle. Out of the 40 first men who met Col. Van Rensselaer on the bank, 
it is admitted but Six got off. Grosvenor assures me that in one instance, 
when some Infantry and his Riflemen got a cross fire upon a s^juad of the 
enemy, he counted Sixteen dead, almost in a heap. Indeed the oldest 
soldiers on the line say, they never saw such sharp shuotin;/. Lt. (Jol. 
Fen wick is an old Soldier ; he says, he does nut believe the annals of war, 
furnish such an instance of mark'smanship. He says he was ku(«wn to many 
of the enemy's officers : that he was instantly clothed with bullets — one in 
his eye — one in his right elbow — one in his side — and I yesterday counted 
nine ball holes in his little cloak. Colonel Van Rensselaer bade his buy 



276 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

brinp his coat the other day. We found a musket ball entered the cape, 
just under his right ear, passed about three inches, and out again ; under 
liis ri"-ht wrist, a ball cut coat and lining through four inches ; and there 
are several others thro" the skirt of his coat. The stocking which was on 
the leo- that was wounded, besides the two holes where the ball went in 
and out, has no less than five holes across the shin. The shots in Gen. 
Wadsworth's clothes shew his escape to have been next to miraculous. 
But these cotton and woolen stories are too many and too long to torite ; they 
may do to talk about when we meet. The truth is, that altho' my spirits are 
not depressed, 1 feel sober — the scenes of war, to a thoughtful mind, are 
sobering. Besides, I think I see the finger of Heaven pointing, in a manner 
not to be mistaken, in that poised scale of success which swung before our eyes 
at the end of the battle. I am satisfied for myself, and now, but not till 
now, I have a desire to return home. I call myself well ; but my health 
is not just as rugged as it wa§; from the 11th Aug to the 26th October, I 
had never touched any thing like a bed — been by no fire ; and now, sleeping 
in a bed, and sitting by a warm fire, lets me down from the tone I had 
acquired. Besides the night of the first attack (as we intended) was one 
of the most trying I ever experienced — incessant storm ; half snow, half 
rain, the 12th was all duty; the 13th all death ; and the subsequent scenes 
have been trying to body, and soul. But I shall stand it thro' and get home. 
The General is before this with you. I need not enlarge upon the general 
subject. I have only to charge you all to stick to the man who has stuck to 
his country and command, until passing events taught him that his further 
efi"orts in commanding Militia, as things noic are, could only disgrace him, 
without serving his Country. The Colonel is doing as well as possible, 
and we hope, this day week, to start for Albany : but I am not without 
some fears that the wound where the ball is lodged, will yet give the 
Colonel some trouble. 

The Editor ot the Bufi"alo Gazette and your letter speak pretty much 
the same language. The hiss of Vipers grows feeble here. I can tell 
you nothing, certain, of what Genl. Smyth intends to do, but I will tell 
you what I think he may attempt if, contrary to my opinion he attempts any 
thing. I think he may attempt to cross here, and the result I will 
show you, when I return home, if Geu. Van Rensselaer will sufi'er publicity 
of an opinion which he long ago wrote Gen. Dearborn on that subject, the 
opinion is full and able. The world must and shall be convinced that this 
Campaign has been conducted with open eyes, directed by busy brains. 
Guard the Character of your General, his Papers will defend him. Col. 
Fenwick says, unreservedly that Gen. V. 11. has done all that could he 
done. There was yesterday a severe Cannonade below, probably on Lake 
Ontario — we have no intelligence, possibly a ISaval Brush on the Lake. 
J.ust now, Col. Parker, the most respectable Ofiicer in Smyth's Brigade 
called to s«^.e us: he says the Petnisj/lvania Militia will not cross over to 
Canada. Let Geu. V. II. know this immediately. Col. Fenwick desires 
me in the most aft'cctionate manner to present him to the General, he is 
now next door to us. Do you tell the Genl. I wish he would write a short 
consoling line to Col. Fenwick. Yours, ever faithfully, 

Mr. Joseph Alexander. J, Lovett. 

At Buffalo, Colonel Van Rensselaer wrote a letter to his wife, filled 
with expres.>-ions of gratitude toward General Van Rensselaer, and con- 
cluded by saying, " 1 congratulate you on the birth of our little boy. That 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 277 

this should have taken place on the same ni<jht T made the attack on the 
Britij^h is singular. He must be a soldier." This child was callfd 
Stephen, after the Patroon, but he only lived a few months. 

Buffalo Gazette, November 3rd, 1812. 

Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer whose great military talents, and ex- 
tensive knowledge of service are admitted by all, had through the whole 
campaign, so assiduously devoted, as it were, liis very heart and soul to 
forming, disciplining, and managing the army on the Niagara, that as to 
him the last whisper of party malice seemed hushed. He was determined 
that whenever a descent should be made upon Canada, to take a leading 
part in it; and he governed himself accordingly. The descent was made, 
and Col. Van Rensselaer was in the first buat, and was the Fimt Man cm 
shore. Sheeted in fire he advanced, and his brave heroes tracked him by 
his blood up the heights of Queenstowu : the result is known — and there is 
not, now, an oflicer, or soldier admitted to the bedside of the wounded 
hero, but exclaims, ^^ had not ijou hren wounded, we should have taken Fort 
George." This wounded hero now lies at Landon's in this village. At 
this same place Governor Tompkins had his quarters, while he was here. 
He had in pocket the official letter of Gen. Van Rensselaer, stating the 
gallant conduct of Col. Van Rensselaer and other officers in the action. 
Yet this same Gov. Tompkins never called on Col. Vari Rensselaer, in an 
adjoining room, nor sent him, a consoling message. 

" Did Gen. Smyth expect to rouse the people of the State of New York 
to arms, by a most gross, shameless, and arrogant attack upon (jeneral 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, than whom there is not a man among us more 
endeared to the people ; and upon Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer whose 
courage and firmness have made him the idol of the soldiery, in every serv- 
ice in which he has been engaged? 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

" All will recollect the prophetic words of Mr. Custis in his celebrated 
oration : ' Perhaps at this moment some fearless sailor climbs the shat- 
tered mast to nail the flag of my country to its stump,' — affirmitig on his 
life that ' he is a federalist ! ' This was followed by the annunciation, 
in a tew days of Captain Hull's conquest of the Guerriere. The next sen- 
tence in the oration has been verified, respecting Canada in as remark- 
able a manner: ' Perhaps some gallant soldier may yet scale tiie heights 
of Abraham, to wreath liberty's standard around Montgomery's tomb. I 
tell i/')u the first foot, which touches that classic ground, will be a fede- 
ralists.' This was fulfilled in the person of the brave Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, a man who has more than once shed his blood and nearly lost 
his life in fighting his country's battles, though he was ungratefully re- 
moved from office by Governor Tompkins, for the only sin of being a 
federalist. 

A correspondent has handed us the following song in his honor. 
Thouiih not the neatest versification, it deserves attention for its object. 

o , 

A New Song, to the tune of Anacreon in Ucaten. 
" When our army prei)ar'd to capture Queenstown, 
A leader was cliostui of {rallant reuowu, 
From an old fed'rul stock our hero was sprnnjr. 
His honor unstain'd but by Smyth's iyin^ tongue ; 
'Twas Van Rensselaer, who never knew fear, 
Always found in the Van, never seen in the Jiear. 



278 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The Cohnnns debark upon Canada's shore, 

(Far fani'd for heroic achievements of yore) 

Not fearinor to combat the terrible Brock, 

They soon frave the foe an impetuous shock : 

'Twas Van Rensselaer, to a soldier so dear, 

Who march'd in their Van — never found in their Mear — 

Bright fflory now perches herself on his head, 

Tho' base cowards censure, who dare not be bled, 

Tliose Buffalo Chiefs, mere scarecrows in war. 

Who ne'er heard a cannon, unless from afar, 

With the heroes of Queenstown they dare not to vie. 

For though mighty good Christians, tliey yet fear to die." 

This poetical effusion, written sixty-two years ago, adds to the value of 
our historical luouument for the benefit of posterity. We have a proper 
regard for the preservation of worthy materials for history and occasionally 
fancy such bright, cheery, and breezy words to enhance the historical 
value, as they are of special interest from their reference to military opera- 
tions during the war of 1812. 

Majiyr Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Alexander, Buffalo, 4th November, 1812. 

I have, somewhere, heard something said about " Man's last Speeches, 
and (lyhv) words " of Dr. Baxter — Again ; I remember that stuttering 
Larrahe wanted to speak a few words before he began ; Now why may not 
I, upon some analogous principle, speak a few words after I have done ? 
In my last, I desired you not to write any more ; surely not because I did 
not wish to hear from Albany, for our solicitude is a perfect Rock. Even 
the humblest Satellites of Jupiter, could they reason, would never be in- 
different to the fate of the glorious luminary round which they revolve ; 
but must shudder at the very idea of an eternal eclipse of that body whose 
rays they once had the glory of reflecting. However, reposing ourselves 
upon the consciousness of having faithfully discharged our duty to our 
Country, to our friends, and to ourselves, we shall meet with firmness 
whatever decision the world may make upon the conduct of General Van 
Rensselaer. We feel, and know that we are not destitute of common 
sense : we know that we have better knowledge of the Campaign than 
any other men ; and tiiis enables us to speak with confidence as to the 
result of Genl. Van Rensselaer's command. Should his own modesty, or 
perseverance in his determination of enduring everything himself, rather 
than to expose the folly, weakness and wickedness of others, cast a mist 
over him, for tiic present (which, by the bye, 1 neither expect, or believe), 
the day is not far distant when the Sun of truth will burst thro' and dis- 
sipate the fogs of error, and the clouds of delusion. I repeat it, again, 
the Camj>al(jn tclll e.r])l(rin itself; this you will see in 60 days ; and say 
that Genl. V. R. did all that could be done ; saved all that could be saved. 
Being, now, out of the Cabinet, I know nothing that is in it. My chance 
is only that of a common spectator, and hardly that : for, with my Ear- 
blinders yet tight buckled down, I can only hear what people bawl, and, 
tho' liawling is the order of the day, it becomes very necessary, now, I 
imagine, to '< bawl," without " cri/ing aloud." ^ 

1 understand that General Smyth is getting together all the Boats he 
can [" General Van Rensselaer has been censured for not having boats 
enough. It was no fault of his. There were only thirteen, but this 
inadequate number of boats was owing to remissness in Quarter-master- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 279 

general Porter's department. The quarter-master, then stationed at the 
Fall, had written to Van Kensselaer, ' I can furnish you hoats at two or 
three days notice to carry over 1201) or 1400 men.' A sufficient number 
for six or seven hundred were ordered, but he had forwarded only 
thirteen at the appointed hour."] That the Pennsylvania Militia are looked 
for with solicitude, in short, that movements warrant the expectation 
that the descent upon Canada will shortly be renewed in this neijijhbor- 
hood. I have before advised you as to an opinion upon that subject. 
Experiment is the touchstone of opinion. Gen. Van Rensselaer had his 
opinion as to the best place for crossing the Niagara, he tested his opinion — 
the result is known ; and Gen. Smyth lias, certainly, the sume riglit to his 
opinion that Gen. V. R. had to his ; and when both are tested the world 
will be prepared to decide. I have but one hope — one prayer in either 
case, which is for the best interest of the service; the higliost honor of 
our arms and the greatest weal of our Country. — What our Militia will 
come to I know not — a daring 3Iutiuy broke out three days ago in Miller's 
Brigade. 100 stacked their arms and marched ofl"; lOO more stacked 
their arms and stood by them. The Genl. and his principal officers came 
forward, and with great efi'orts persuaded the men to return to their duty, 
on the Promise of Barracks and better Quarters, in a very i'avf days. 
This may be relied on, as I have it from the mouth of one of the first 
officers of the Brigade. Genl. Miller is dismissed, and has retired ; his 
Brigade is now consolidated with Col. Dobbin's Regiment. The Firing 
mentioned in my last was a Sham Battle of Col. Winder's Regiment, at 
Fort Niagara. 

Colonel Van Rensselaer hobbles, on two Crutches, in great style — 
prospects warrant a belief that we may leave this in five days. I confess 
to you I am all alive with solicitude — public and private — the Presi- 
dential Election ; our Legislature, the war, the general disturbance of the 
Country, my family ; the approach of winter, the uncertainty of my hear- 
ing again, all close in upon me, and require all the firmness I can muster. 
Altho' your solicitude for our flesh and bones, the viler part, may have 
subsided ; yet 1 trust in heaven, that as far as the conduct of the Cam- 
paign is justifiable tliat cavilers will be met !n the gap : and that if any- 
thing remains doubtful the arm of Charity will, with patience, support the 
beam until Justice shall have cast in all the weights, and truth shall have 
footed up the tally, and then, my head to the block, and my word to the 
wind if there be not a unanimous verdict of honest njen Should any 
man say we had not Boats eno', the truth is not in him : the river is not, 
where the troops crossed, 300 yards wide ; a passage might easily be 
made in five minutes — we had 12 Boats which would carry 30 men each, 
and 2 which would carry 80 each. If on the Heights of Queenstown 
there had been a sight to gratify curiosity, every man of the Army might 
have been over before 11 oclock. I saw the Boats, on both sides, idle. 
The Eternal Truth is that the men who had solemnly pledged themselves 
to go over, icould not. 

I saw a Field Officer [Major Morrison] who had yelped his lungs sore, 
to go over, tied up his temples on the day of battle, and at night told me 
he had "-hardbj been able to keep off his bfd the uhole daij." But eno', 
eno', the General is with you: he has all, and knows all. I am .«ick of 
rolling and tumbling in the frothy billows, with fleet Indians, ragamuffins, 
vagabonds, and slubber-de-gullions who whirl in the eddies of Niagara. 
Do tell my dear Wife that I long to return to a land where the people 



280 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

fear the Lord and acknowledge his government. That the cord of my 
affection is stretched to the hij>t; I will reel it up upon my heart as fast 
as possible, till she can reach, and roll it upon her own heart, and there 
let it continue until death knots off skeins to warp the woof of eternal 
happiness. Your ever true 

Mr. Joseph Alexander. John Lovett. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear friend Water Vliet Nov. 8, 1812. 

I cannot describe my feelings at the reception I met with in my journey 
home, if I had been a Victor, I could not have been more honored. 
Nothing was wanting but my two companions or dear friends, the partners 
of my toil and anxiety to have made me as happy as ever Man was. Our 
friends at Utica are determined to give you a reception, which all good 
men say you merit. 

I have visited your Wife, and friend Lovett's — found them well 
and inquiries innumerable on war, natural, which I faithfully answered, 
sometimes a little embelished. I have visited Gen. Dearborn, nothing 
new. Gov. Lewis is extravagant in his encomiums, he says you are to 
have a Regiment, and if no vacancy occur, one will be raised. I have 
peen the official Letter of the British by the Adj. General, it differs from 
mine considerably in point of fact. 

Who received the Flag that made the proposition for a cessation ? 
They state that it come from me, you know to the contrary, indeed Gen. 
Sheaffe's Letter to me will establish the fact. 

Pray beg Lovett to write to me every mail. I have ordered the news- 
papers to be sent to you. 

Present my sincere respects to Lovett and believe me ever your friend. 

S. V. Kensselaer. 

Col. Van Rensselaer, Buffalo. 
"Colonel Van Rensselaer remained in Buffalo until the 9th of November, 
and was then conveyed to his home at Mount Hope, near Albany, ac- 
companied as he had been since his removal from Lewiston by Mr, Lovett. 
Tliey were met in the suburbs of Albany by a cavalcade of citizens, and Van 
Rensselaer was received with the honors of a victor." 

" It gives us the most sincere and heartfelt pleasure to be able to an- 
nounce to our fellow citizens, that Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer who 
was so severely wounded in the attack on Queenstown, has so far re- 
covered, as to be able to endure the long and fatiguing journey, from 
Niagara to Albany, and is again restored to his amiable, and highly en- 
deared family : and is in a lair way of a speedy recovery from his wounds. 
He arrived in this city on Tuesday evening November 17th, accompanied 
by Major Lovett his friend and companion in arms, who has faithfully 
attended him from the moment he was brought off the field of action, 
until he was sale in the bosom of his family. It was a gay time pro- 
cession, flowers and all conceivable pleasures have been lovinglj brought 
into retjuisition to contribute to the general rejoicing and they went home 
singing, 'No more I'll pant for glory's wreath.' Kvery thing connected 
with the joyful reception was mo.>t satisfactory, to the invalid and disabled 
officer, for even the very atmosphere of home was invigorating. The 
happy return on that occasion did not fail to evoke new gratitude in that 
poatuful mansion, with the full measure of glad hearts, sacred to the ex- 
pression of the affectionate relations that make life lovely. The festivities 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 281 

were not saddened by 'an awful sense of one mute shadow wateliinfr all,' 
as a briglit promise of returniug health gave a buoyaucy to anxious hearts." 

Judge Van N .-« to Col. Van Rensselaer — The " 8oldiei-'s Return." 
Dear Sir, Kingston 23, November 1812. 

In a paper which I have just seen while holding a Court in this place, 
I have with heartfelt satisfaction read the abov< , your safe arrival at your 
own house. As an old friend, I must be permitted to congratulate you 
and your family upon the pleasing occurrence, and add my wishes to those 
of your many other friends, that you may be speedily restored to your 
usual health, strength and usefulness. You have suffered much, and 
probably will suffer more. I sympathize with you most deeply, but if you 
shall in the end be restored to the use of your bodily powers, your past 
sufferings will be forgotteu in the joy which such a 'consummation will 
occasion. As soon as I have moved into my new house and can leave 
home, which will be in about a fortnight, I shall go to Albany, to tell 
you in person how much I rejoice that you are still in the land of the liv- 
ing, and in the bosom of your family. 

With unabated affection and friendship, Yours «&c. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. W. W. Van Ness. 

A wide circle of relatives and friends manifested a great desire to 
contribute to the happiness, of Col. Van Rensselaer and he again found 
there was "sunshine as well as clouds" around him, enjoyment as well as 
misery and much earthly bliss. 

Albany Dec. 1, 1812. 

If the Weather and the State of Colonel Van Rensselaer's health will 
permit an Address is intended to be delivered in Washington Hall on .^Ion- 
day evening next. The Committee will previously call on Cols. Van Rens- 
selaer and Lovett. 

To Cols. Solomon Van Rensselaer and John Lovett. 

Gentlemen, The deep interest which your fellow Citizens have so gen- 
erally manifested, with respect to your Services and Sufferings during the 
last Campaign, suflBeiently indicates the exalted rank you liold in tlieir 
estimation. Your brethren, the Members of the W.-vshinoto.n Benevo- 
lent Society, ' participating largely in the public sensibility, and iiupolled 
by fraternal affection, and by the sincere respect and esteem they have ever 
entertained for you, beg leave to present you with this expression of their 
sentiments and feelings. 

The members of this Society, have ever had the fullest Confidence in 
the prudence and discernment of Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Uis appoint- 
ing you Gentlemen to important and Confidential Stations near his person, 
afforded an additional proof that, that confidence was well founded, and it 
at the same time yielded them the highest gratification. 

It is not intended to enter into an examination of the Question, or pol- 
icy of the present War. There cannot exist in this place, it is presumed, 
Uny contrariety of opinion on these points. Your brethren cannot however 
refrain from expressing their Sympathy, for the mental anguish, you must 
have endured when you came to examine the ''attitude and armour" in 
which the Country had been placed for the purpose of offensive War, when 
you came to have under your immediate observation (and to experieuL-e 

' This was an organization opposed to the war. 
36 



282 Legacy of Histokical Gleanings. 

the effects of) the Ignorance, the imbecility, the want of preparation and 
foresight, the distraction, the dishonesty, the Jealousy, and the low in- 
trigues, of the Government, its Officers and Agents ; and when you coulcr 
not avoid anticipating the result, this state of things must necessarily pro- 
duce ; the sacrifice of lives and property and the disgrace of the Country. 

The gallantry displayed by you. Colonel Van Keusselaer, in the Attack 
on Queenston, is the subject of public admiration and praise. It must 
have endeared you to such of your brother officers as are capable of duly 
appreciating this most noble trait in the Character of a Soldier; and in 
your present languishing condition, it constitutes at once the pride and 
the Solace of your friends. 

In those who were previously acquainted with the pupil of the Intrepid 
Wayne, this act of bravery occasioned no suprise. They were persuaded, 
that he would be found at the post of danger and that he possessed the 
Spirit, and the Skill to render essential Service to his Country. 

Your brethren cannot forbear to lament, that, that attack proved in the 
event, so disastrous to the Nation and to you ; they however hope, that it 
may tend: in some degree " to revive the forgotten dignity of the American 
name." 

The Wounds of a Soldier received in the Service of his Country, have ever 
been considered as presenting an almost irresistible claim to attention and 
respect. Two cases only are recollected in which this claim has been 
wholly disregarded. By the Mob at Baltimore, to whom the unfortunate 
Genl. Lingan opened his bosom, and they Stabbed him through the Scars 
of the Wounds he had received iu fighting for the Liberty and Independ- 
ence of America ! By the Chief Magistrate of the State of New York, who 
formerly professed to be your personal friend, who is your fellow Towns- 
man and Neighbor. He came to the place where you lay, helpless, 
covered with wounds, many hundred of miles from your family and your 
home. These wounds too were received in battle in the course of a War, 
for which he is a zealous advocate. He lodged beneath the same roof 
with you, a few inches only of lath and plaster separated you from each 
other, and he did not deign to speak to you, or to enquire into your situa- 
tion, or even to direct his eyes towards you. And yet this man is gene- 
rally reputed to be mild, humane, and affable. The appearence too of 
his State Coach, every Sabbath at the door of the house of Worship, is 
calculated to induce a belief that he is pious also. But the Vail is now 
rent asunder. His hypocrisy is manifest, and he appears in his true Cha- 
racter, destitute of every generous and manly feeling, Vengeful, Malig- 
nant, and Implacable. 

Colonel Ijovett, 

From your acknowledged literary talents, independent mind, and experi- 
ence in life, your brethren expected with confidence, that in every trving 
situation, and in the discharge of the most arduous and difficult duties, 
you would promote the good of the Service and advance your own reputa- 
tion. They also looked to you in a great measure, to throw light on the 
transactions of the Campaign, or the State of the Army, and of the North 
western Frontier. Nor have they been disappointed in a single particular. 
Your conduct has been such, as fully to satisfy the highest expectations 
of your warmest friends. When it had become public that General Van 
Rensselaer had relinquished the command of the Army, it was supposed 
by some, (and your known attachment to your family rendered it probable) 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 283 

that you would immediately return home. But the brave ever love each 
other; you chose to remain with your friend and Companion in Arms; 
\or did you attempt to pass the threshold of your own dweilinj,', until you 
nad deposited the wounded Hero in the bosom of his family. It is im- 
possible to avoid doing homage to a proceeding so trtily noble and generous. 

Finally, Gentlemen, your brethren assure yon, that it is with the most 
sincere pleasure they now congratulate you, on your return to your re- 
spective families, and the comforts of domestic life, and that they again 
behold you in this Ilall, in the niid.st of a Society, who hold in reverence 
the name and principles of our beloved Washington. 

"0 Washington! the brightness of thine example, and the superior 
lustre and dignity of thy character, are too far beyond the reach of imita- 
tion, to be ever the objects of envy. No man ever deserved so much of 
his country. No other man ever displayed such greatness and magnanimity 
of character, in divesting himself of power, in relinquishing the highest 
object of ambition, and retiring from the chief magistracy of a free people, 
to the state of a private Citizen." 



CHAPTER XHI. • 

Major John Lovett's Election to the 13th Congress. 

J. Bobinson to Col. Van Rensselaer. 

Sir, Buffalo Dec. 2nd 1812. 

The result of the battle of Queenston was painful to all ; but language 
is insufficient to paint the proceedings of Brig. Gen. Smyth's pretended 
attack upon Canada : his contemptible proclamations wounded the heart 
of every officer, who was a prisoner at Queenston ; yet it was hoped that 
a great soul would do great things — what is the result. My God ! Hulled ! 
no. But as far superior in turpitude, baseness and cowardice, as Satan is 
to Michael the Arch-Angel in wickedness. 

That pompous proclamation brought volunteers from every (juartcr ; 
and on the 27th November ult. his ibrccs were more tlian eight thousand 
men : and his boats would carry three thousand eight hundred men, be- 
sides eleven pieces of .Artillery, with as many ammunition wagons and 
forty-eight horses : On the night of the same day, three hundred Sailors 
and regulars crossed the river, spiked all the British cannon, took thirty- 
one prisoners, and returned. The morning following Col. Wynder, with 
his regiment, crossed the river, and were repulsed by about three hundred 
British ; by 12 o'clock all the boats were filled and passed up to the Bock, 
and nothing to obstruct their landing in Canada ; but a six pounder which 
did them no injury, neither could bear on them longer, by means of our 
batteries. At the same time three sailors crossed the river, set two houses 
on fire, pluudcrcd a store, burned it, shot fowls, ducks, and pigs without 



284 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

opposition from the enemy, who in attempting to approach were driven 
back by the well directed fire from our batteries ; Notwithstanding the 
ardor of the troops to pass the river, they were ordered ashore (to disem- 
bark and dine !) and a Flag was sent to Canada ! ! 

Yesterday at three o'clock A. M. the troops were again ordered to embark, 
the American Flag was raised, with everything ready for a descent, when — 
Lo! the Coward appeared — and — the remainder cannot be described, 
but, by the fallen countenances of the oflScers and the fury of the privates. 

I, Sir, have been anxious, since your departure from this, to hear of 
your safe arrival in the bosom of your family ; and that you have by this 
recovered of your wounds. Be assured Sir, that I feel much for your 
welfare. * Lois Le Canteubx Esqr. presents his best respects to you. 
I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. Josiah Robinson. 

" The scruples of the Pennsylvania brigade had been Overcome, and 
they would have invaded Canada cheerfully under other auspices. But 
distrust of their leader, had demoralized the whole army. They had made 
so much noise in the embarkation that the startled enemy had sounded 
his alarm bugle and discharged signal-guns. Smyth called a council of 
the regular officers and soon an order was received, from the commanding 
general to General Porter, directing the whole army to debark and repair 
to quarters. This was accompanied by a declaration that the invasion of 
Canada was abandoned at present. The regulars were ordered into 
winter quarters, and the volunteers dismissed." 

Dr. Chapin to Col. Van Rensselaer — A Duel. 

Dear Sir, Buffalo Dec. 13, 1812. 

This part of our country seems destined to be the theatre of events 
both strange and new. You will hardly believe me when I tell you that 
our two douglity Generals — Smyth and Porter, got into a boat yesterday 
with something like 20 men, and, with flying colors went over to Grand 
Island — burnt a charge of powder at each other, shook hands, and came 
" hock agcn" without staining the ground with even one drop of their 
precious blood. The challenge was given by Gen. Smyth, who finding 
that no " ungathered laurels " were to be plucked on the Canadian shore 
this winter, even condescended to seek them on a little Island, the claim 
to which is in dispute between the two governments. The combatants 
were to have met between the hours of eleven and one ; but it seems they 
were not willing or ready to quit this world, until about 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, when the^ met. The cause of this truly important and war- 
like movement, appeared in the Buffalo Gazette of last week; I mean, 
Porter's letter to the Editors, in which he directly jcalls Smyth a coward, 
and indirectly a liar. The conqueror of Canada, at first, took this in high 
dudgeon; but one shot from his antagonist, that just whistled over his 
head, completely satisfied him " that Gen. Porter was a man of honor, 
and had doubtless labored under some mistake, or misrepresentation, when 
he wrote the ofiensive paragraph." 

Captain Fitzgerald, of the -IDth Regt. was over on Saturday after Gen. 
Smj/th had taken Canada by his white flag, and told a number of our 
officers, who were collected round him, that the United States would never 
conquer Canada until some of their old Generals rose from their graves 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 285 

But when he hears how Gen. Smyth has the courage to be shot at, he will, 
no doubt, consider the situation of Canada as desperate. I remain dear Sir, 

Your sincere friend and hble. Servant 
Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer Albany. Cyrenius Chapin 

" General Porter openly attributed the abandonment of the invasion tf 
Canada to the cowardice of Smyth. A bitter quarrel ensued, and soon 
resulted in a cluillen<:e by the general in cliiol" I'ur his second in cDmmanJ 
to test the courage of both by a duel. In direct viulatiunof the Articles 
of War, these superior officers of the army, with friends, and seconds, and 
surgeons, put off in boats iVom the shore near Black Uouk, in the presence 
of their troops, at two o'clock in the afternoon uf the I'ith of December, to 
meet each other in mortal combat on Grand Island. They exchanged 
shots at twelve paces distance. Nobody was hurt. The expected tragedy 
proved to be a solemn comedy. The aff"air took the usual ridiculous course. 
The seconds reconciled the belligerents, the hand of reconciliation was 
offered and received. Confidence in the military ability of Gen. Smyth 
was destroyed, and three months after he was disbanded." 

In 184G, the Albnuij An/ns published, " Irom the pen of a distinguished 
writer and author," an account of the battle of Queenston which was 
strangely inaccurate in many of its points ; it roused the ire of the insulted 
old soldier. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer — " whose manly eloquence, was 
characterized by the Tare and admirable poise of his statements" as pub- 
lished in the same paper. The administration had seemed pitiless towards 
this victim of injustice, but he did full honor and manifested etjuify re- 
garding the illustrious services, and the high character of other officers. 
" I am not ashamed to confess that I have some natural pride left in the 
part which I took in the afl'air of Queenstown — though the fire of ambi- 
tion is now, at the age of threescore and ten, a little burned out of me ; 
still I should hardly deem it necessary to say a word in reply to this 
article, were it not for the gross injustice which it does to others, two of 
whom, as gallant young men as ever trod a battle field, were of this city. 
I published in 183(5, a Narrative of the Battle of Queenstown, fortified by 
official and other documents, and to that I confidently refer. It was drawn 
from me by an invidious publication made by General Armstrong, and 
the truth of its facts and positions has never been assailed, and cannot be 
gainsaid. I have no intention, at my time of life, of being drawn into 
a newspaper controversy on this subject. I rely on my narrative. 
Perhaps the public will be at no great loss to discover the ohject of the 
article in your paper, whatever may be thought of the souro- from which 
it emanates when this brief summing up of the narrative is road, namely : 
It is apparent that the successes of any importance at Queenstown, were 
achieved by the 13th infantry and a few drilled state's artillery, in all not 
exceeding 240 men, comm«n(/e(/ % (7a/)^ Wool, now Gen. Wool." 

Now, iMr. Editor, I am of opinion that this writer has done the dis- 
tinguished soldier whom he has made the hero of his romancr great in- 
jury. When histories come, I hope they will be something better worthy 
of the name than this/«/uy s/crfch. The proper exploits of Captain Wool 
at Queenstown, long and perfectly well known to the world, and perfectly 
appreciated, were sufficient of themselves for his fame and glory ; and 
this effort to falsify history in his behalf, at the expense of others who 
had some share in that affair, is calculated, so tar as it has any effect, to 
mystify the whole transaction, and throw doubt over the merit that really 



286 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

belonirs to him. This expedition and enterprise was under my command, 
and not under Capt Wool's or any body else. I commanded the whole, 
not a detachment, and the whole were formed in order on the beach, not 
on the plateau; and by my order the troops charged up the bank; they 
were not allowed to load their pieces. The enemy gave way; on the 
plateau the engagement took place, and as of course, the 13th were on 
the ri"-ht, they suffered most. But I have some reason for knowing that 
this fit'ht took place under my command, and not under Capt. Wool's, 
and that I was not quite out of all danger during the engagement. At 
any rate the enemy hit me with six bullets in the course of the fight, one 
of which I carry now in my body, by way of a remembrancer. 

The British party which had given us this brush retreated towards the 
village. But my men were still annoyed by some shots from the high 
grounds, and I ordered them to fall back under cover of a bank. I now 
found myself so much riddled that it seemed quite impossible that I 
shoujd be able to lead the troops in person, to any further enterprise; 
and I naturally looked about for Lieut. Col. Christie, who was my second 
in command. He was not to be found. In fact, as is well known, he had 
retreated without touching the British shore. The search for him occupied 
sometime, and of course created considerable delay, as I was naturally dis- 
inclined to entrust the command to very young, and very inexperienced 
hands. But there were no others near me, and finally there was no other 
alternative. Capt. Wool was the senior oflicer on theground, and he received 
my orders. I myself arranged the order of the column for the ascent, 
and marked out its cour.se — directing its movement to the left and by a 
point of rock, which would avoid exposure and bring it on the heights in 
the rear of the battery. I ordered Lt. John Gansevoort of the artillery, 
assisted by Lt. Randolph, at the head of forty picked artillery men ; to 
lead the column, and I placed Major Lush, one of my aids, in the rear, 
with strict orders to put the first man to death who should fall back. In 
this order, when all was ready, the troops filed off before me, and it was 
not till they were fairly on their way, that my strength failed me, and I 
sank to the ground. During all the delay that had occurred, and the 
arranj:ements for storming the heights, I had not quitted my feet ; (except 
when the troops were screened under the bank) and 1 had borrowed 
from Major Lush a great coat which I wore the whole time on purpose to 
conceal the extent and number of my wounds. Capt. Wool's official ac- 
count of the matter to me, is in the Narrative, dated 28d Oct., 1812. 
*' In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point, and as- 
cended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. We 
took it ivithoiit much resistance." 

I must not omit to say that the very advantage which I had sought to 
Becure, by giving the artillerists the position I had assigned them in this 
enterprise — that of turning the battery on the enemy as soon as taken — 
was lo.st by the spiking of the cannon. Let me not be supposed to entertain 
a disposition to detract from the high merits of any brave brother. 
Wherever Capt. Wool was engaged on that trying occasion, he acquitted 
himself like a brave soldier, and a gallant man, and as such I have spokea 
of him and others in my book. But while ample justice is accorded to 
him, let no ])retcnded historian distort facts to the prejudice of others who 
were hi.s companions and/ivals in arms that day. Jjush, Gansevoort, and 
Kaiidolph were among the numlicr — and more daring or more enduring 
nieu never faced a foe. It was the conspicuous gallantry of llandolph on 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 287 

that occasion, that uttractcil the attention of the cneuiy, and excited fho 
aduiiration of his brethren in arms. Let no sli<:ht or blur be put on the 
names and merits of such men. Sol. Van lltNfc.sKLAKU. 

Albany, Feb. 23, 1846. 

Lieut. Randolph was a lieut. colonel of a regiment in the battle of 
Buena Vista in 1847 when a son of Henry Clay was slain in the combat. 

CJicdlenge from Peter B. Poi-ter to Sol Van Rensselaer. 

Messrs. Editors, Mount Hope. Jany., 1813. 

A publication in the Columbian of the 12th inst. has inip(i.>^(Ml upon mo 
the task of making a statement of facts to the public, and 1 have to re- 
quest a place for it in your columns. 

The appeal of an individual to the solemn tribunal of public opinion 
is ever unpleasant, and to no one could such appeal be more irksome than 
to myself upon this occasion : To ask a 7uw decision against a man 
already so overwhelmed with public execrations as is General Peter \^. 
Porter may seem unmerciful : but he has called me before the public, 
and in justice to myself (iov he is unworthy the notice of any honorable 
man) I shall answer. 

General Porter complains of the statement of an affair between liim and 
myself lately. wuu/e in the Northern Whig. That Statement was made 
without my knowledge or approbation, direct or indirect : and I am no 
more answerable for it than I am for the palpable falsehoods in the 
Columbian to which I have referred. It is true that upon a recent occa- 
sion I did declare to General Porter that I would, at a proper time, un- 
mask him to the world ; and at that time it was my intention so to do. 
But my aversion to paper warfare, which might implicate others; and a 
perfect knowledge that this same Peter B. Porter was a pitiful Scoundrel 
and coward unworthy of my notice, had induced me to pass, in Silence, 
by a wretch wallowing in disgrace. 

To abuse nny man wantonly, or to with-hold the merited reprobation of 
rascality is, to me, equally impossible. I did call Peter B. Porter a Rascal ; 
and whether that epithet was justly, or unjustly bestowed, I submit to 
candid and honorable men of all parties to decide upon the following state- 
ment of facts. In stating facts I shall avoid, as far as possible, any disclo- 
sures unf'avowible to the Service, or tlie unnecessary implication of names. 

Soon after the Armistice was concluded [Aug. 21, 1812.] and the honor 
of the Nation, through the Commander of the Army, was pledged for the 
cessation of hostilities, and General Orders to that purport had been 
issued, General Van Rensselaer received a communication from Major 
General Hall that a British Sergeant and Six privates had been surpri.-ed 
and taken at Buckhorn Island (where they had been sometime stationed) 
by a detachment of Colonel Swift's Regiment. I was ordered to make in- 
quiry as to this breach of faith and orders, and adopt measures instantly 
to restore the British sergeant and guard to the place from whence they 
had been taken. The duties of this day called me from I.ewiatoa to 
Black Rock. I stopped at General Halls ((uarters, near Niagara Falls ; 
he proposed to accompany me ; and, while he was getting ready, I stepped 
over to Judge Porter's, where I found Peter B. Porter, and inquired 
whether he knew who had given orders for attacking the Briti.sh guard 
on Buckhorn Island ? He told me he did not know ; but said, application 
had been made to him for a boat for that purpose : that he had refused, 



288 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

unless an order was obtained from General Van Rensselaer. I observed, 
that he knew perfectly well, that no such order would have been granted ; 
and that had he said one discouraging word, the enterprise would never 
have been attempted. I reminded him, that by stipulations entered into 
between General Van Rensselaer and General Sheaffe, we had fortunately 
secured the navigation of Lake Ontario; that General Van Rensselaer had 
sent an express to Ogdensburgh to order up from thence to Sacketts Har- 
bour a number of vessels to join Capt. Woolsey, with a view of enabling 
that gallant officer to get command of the Lake; that Colonel Fenwick 
was on his way from Oswego, with cannon and a large quantity of military 
stores for Niagara; that all this property was put in jeopardy; important 
arrangements might be defeated, and the campaign rendered abortive by 
this violation of faith pledged for the observance of the armistice ; that 
if we violated it, the British might retaliate to our loss and sorrow. 

I then returned to General Hall's quarters. We proceeded together 
to Black Rock, to which place (instead of Lewiston, which was much 
nearer) the British sergeant and guard had been sent. On our way we 
found, with mortification, that most of the small guards had been engaged 
in this disgraceful transaction. We arrived at Colonel Swift's quarters 
and dined. I asked him, by whose orders this attack had been made upon 
the British ? He said he did not know ; but it was by Lieutentant 
Hewett of his regiment, and the guard under his command. I told Col- 
onel Swift, the British prisoners should be immediately returned to the 
Island whence they were taken. He observed, that he believed they did 
not wish to go back ; and if sent, his men would be dissatisfied, and the 
prisoners would return back again, in this opinion Dr. Wilson, the friend 
of Peter B. Porter, joined, I told Colonel Swift that should the prisoners 
return to our shore, he must immediately send them, under guard, to 
Lewiston ; and I explained to him the necessity of adopting this course. 
Colonel Swift and Doctor Wilson — his surgeon — walked out of the 
room ; but soon returned, and reported to me, that the captured guard, 
excepting the sergeant, would not return" alive. I observed to them, with 
some warmth, that dead or alive, they should all return, and ordered Col- 
onel Swift, by command from Gen. Van Rensselaer, to return them, and 
sen ddown Lieutenant Hewett, the next day under arrest for trial. I then 
walked into the adjoining room and, to my surprise, found the prisoners 
in high spirits, dining at the same table from which we had just risen. 

To this shameful affair there appeared, to my mind, disgusting evidence 
that Peter B. Porter and his friends were, to say the least, accessories. 
A palpable violation of the plighted faith of the Nation, or the sacrifice of an 
army must have appeared as incidents of minor consequence, to a man so eager 
for the prosecution of the War as to recommend to General Van Rensselaer, 
to pass over from Buffiilo with a handful of men to Fort Erie, and march 
to the relief of Hull, throwjh a fine country, and good roads of about 240 
miles; with Brock and Proctor in front, and Sheaffe in our rear. Sudh 
a man, among a thousand other crafty hints, might even venture to submit 
to the consideration of General Van Rensselaer, the expediency of per- 
mitting one of his sloop captains, thrown out of employ upon Lake Erie, 
to pass over into Canada on his parole as a jn-isoner of loar, although he 
mijiht have been a staunch loyalist, and never in any shape made prisoner ! 

On my return from Black Rock to Lewiston, 1 rode part of the way 
in company with some of Porter's friends; our con'vcrsation naturally 
turned upon his conduct; some of the preceding and other subjects, not 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 289 

necessary to be detailed, were discussed. I stated, that Porter had, upon 
every occasion, endeavored to throw all responsibility uodh (jreneral Van 
Rensselaer, to perplex his luovcments and embarrass his couiniand ; that 
he had voted fur the War ; but now, instead of being the first man to 
shew his zeal in the cause, he neglected his duty as Quartcr-ujaster- 
Gcneral. That he was seldom in camp ;' neglected to furnish the necessary 
supplies for bringing the war to an honorable termination ; that he cared 
not how long it might last, provided he could make his fortune by it. 
That he would not even furnish straw for the soldiers to lie upon — that 
hundreds of poor families had already been compelled to leave the 
frontiers, abandoning their little all. In short, a view of the calamities 
of the war, which this same Peter I3(elligerent) Porter had exerted him- 
self to bring on, wrought up my feelings possibly to an imprudent height, 
and I did say, that Peter B. Porter was a Damned Scoundiikl. 

A few days after this, Dr. Wilson came down from Hlack Rock to 
Lewiston with a note trom Porter in<iuiring whether I had bestowed upon 
'him the epithet which had been reported to him as above stated. I told 
him I had. After a pause, he asked me where he could find me half" an 
hour afterwards. I told him, in my tent, lie withdrew, and in a short 
time returned again and requested that I would send a friend to meet him 
at seven o'clock that evening, at Mr. Barton's, to make the necessary 

arrangements. I told him, that my friend would meet him at that 

time and place. Dr. Wilson then began to talk about my being in a pas- 
sion, and an apology I told him I had no apology to make. The neces- 
sary arrangements were made, and a solemn pledge of secrecy given ; but 
Porter immediately communicated the affair to his partner, Mr. Barton, 
who informed General Van Rensselaer thereof, and begged him to put a 
stop to it. General V. R. asked Mr. Barton from whom he obtiiined his 
information ? He answered from Porter himself : adding that I had been 
in a passion, and that Porter's friends had urged him to the measure. 

Agreeably to the arrangement entered into between Dr. Wilson and 
my friend, they were to meet the Saturday following, at twelve o'clock, at 
a house near Tonawanda, where Dr. W. promised to have a boat in readi- 
ness to pass over to Grand Island fur the purpose of locating a particular 
spot. My friend arrived there sometime before Dr. Wilson ; but found 
no boat. When the Doctor arrived he was pressed for the immediate dis- 
patch of business ; but Dr. VV. — after some excuses for not having provided 
the boat, and objecting to going a mile down the river where there was a 
boat, asked my friend to go with him up into a chamber. They went up 
The expediency of postponing the meeting was submitted by Dr. Wilson 
to my friend for various considerations, which it is unnecessary to detail. 
The proposition was at first rejected ; but at last my friend agreed to re- 
port the proposition to me and meet Dr. W. at the tavern near Niagara 
Falls, precisely at eight o'clock on the Monday morning following. It 
was also agreed that if any urgent call of professional duty should prevent 
Dr. Wilson from attending, that he would transmit a note at that time and 
place with the single word •' Deferred." That my friend, as I should in- 
struct him, would then finally accept, reject or (jualify the proposition : 
but in any event, should the j)roposition be rejected, the principals with 
their friends should meet on the island at tjlie hour which had been pre- 
viously agreed upon. My friend returned on iSaturday evening and cuin- 
muuicated to me the proposition. I charged him to be punctual in his 

37 



290 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

attendance at the hour aud place on Monday morning; to reject the pro- 
position, and take the necessary measures for deciding the aflair at once. 

On Sunday, before noon, Mr. Gray called on my friend at Lewistoa 
with the following note from Gen. Porter. 

gir, Black Rock, Sept. 13, 1812. 

i had no objection for the public reasons operating on both Sides to 
the principal arrangement being mutually entered into. But the very 
extraordinary aud unexpected shape in which the business has been 
placed does not permit me to let it remain a moment on its present foot- 
in". General Gray is the*gentleman whom I mentioned to you and is 
acquainted with every particular. To whatever arrangement he may 
make I shall strictly conform. Yours respectfully, 

jjjjr, Peter B. Porter. 

This is incorrect, General Porter had never given my friend the least 
hint that Mr. Gray was to take part in this affair. He had indeed once' 
submitted the proposition of " exchanging his friend for one of more ex- 
periincc," but this proposition was no sooner communicated to me, by my 
friend, than it was rejected, and at the same time I observed to my 
friend^ that Porters only object was to give publicity to the affair. My 
friend after expressing his surprise at the violation of the promise of 
secrecy on the part of General Porter, stated to Mr. Gray the situation in 
which the affair was then placed by Dr. Wilson and himself; and that no 
deviation from that course would be acceded to. That the proceeding on 
the part of General Porter was so extraordinary that no attention would 
be paid to his note, nor Mr. Gray in any shape recognized. 

Mr. Gray, after contending that General Porter's note vested him with 
full power to annul the whole arrangement which had been previously 
entered into, and declaring General Porter's intention not to comply with 
it, departed. 

On Monday morning, before eight oclock, my friend was at the house 
appointed near Niagara falls and continued there for more than an hour; 
hztt Dr. Wilson did not appear, nor did he send any communication ichat- 
ever! My friend then returned to the camp at Lewiston and reported to 
me the iinal result of the affair. While 1 was expressing myself with 
some warmth at the rascality of Porter, General Van Rensselaer came up, 
and with some plea-santry rallied me and my friend, saying that this was 
a pretty affair, indeed. That he had been obliged for some days to keep 
a watchful eye over us ; for that he had been made acquainted with the 
affair by one of Porter's confidential friends from the first; and had we 
attempted to leave the camp together he would have arrested us both ; and 
would still do it, if any further attempt of the kind should be made, aud 
that he would immediately write Porter to that effect and treat him in 
the same manner. I then declared, that I should horsewhip the scoundrel 
for disclosing the affair, which gave rise to General Van Renesselaer's 
positive orders, to me, to drop the matter; his letter to Porter of the 
14th September, which contained .similar orders, was delivered the same 
day. Finding that I had been trifled with by Porter, and that a compli- 
ance with his demand of satisfaction, on my part, was rendered imprac- 
ticable hy repeated and pitiful evasions on his, I addressed the follow- 
ing letter to him which was delivered the same day by an oflBcer of the 
U. S. Army, to which no answer was ever made. 



Legacy of ITistorical Gleanings. 291 

Col: Van Rensadaer to Oen. Porter. 
Sir, Lewiston 10 o'clock a. m. Sept. 14, 1812. 

In consequence of your messaa;e to me, several interviews were had 
between our friends ; it was at length agreed between them, that they 
should meet at the first house above the Tonawanda bridge, and proceed 
from thence to Grand Island to select a spot for our meeting. On their 
arrival at that place on Saturday, propositions to postpone the meeting 
were made on the part of your Iriend which could not be acceded to by 
mine without consulting me, and with that view they were to meet this 
morning, at 8 o'clock, at the Falls of Niagara. At this place, my friend 
punctually attended, and now reports, that neither your friend, or any 
apology appeared. This very extraordinary conduct on your part, together 
with the fact of your having disclosed the aflair [in violation of tlie most 
solemn pledge of secrecy, and which has beeu most religiously adhered to 
on my part and that of my friend] to two or three persons besides your 
friend, and the information I have just received, that Gen. Van llensse- 
laer was made acquainted with it, and in consequence of which, he has 
kept a watchful eye on all my actions — shews conclusively that you have 
trifled with me, and that it never was your intention to meet me. And 
I now declare, that if you do not make me a suitable apology, I shall, at 
a proper time publish you to the world as a Poltroon^ a Coward and a 
Scoundrel ! ! I am &c. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Peter B. Porter, Esq., Q Master Gen. M. S. N. Y. 

In this state of things my friend wrote to Dr. Wilson the following note : 

Sir, Lewiston 11 Oclock a. m. Sept. 14, 1812. 

Agreeably to the arrangement entered into with you at Tonawanda on 
Saturday, I attended punctually at eight o'clock this morning and remained 
until nine, at the tavern opposite General Hall's late quarters, near Niag- 
ara falls, to meet you or receive the note you proposed : But having been 
disappointed in both, I have reported the fact to Colonel Van Rensselaer : 
and I now deem it my duty to apprise you of the course he hag adopted 
thereupon. This you will fully learn from his letter to General Porter, a 
copy of which I will furnish you if required. I am &c. itc. 

Doctor Wilson. 

About the same time General Van Rensselaer wrote to Porter a letter 
of the purport above stated ; and the three letters, were delivered by the 
same hand. 

Dr. Wilson acknowledged the receipt of my friend's letter, and General 
Porter the receipt of Gen. Van Renss'daer's letter, but I received no 
answer from Porter. 

Dr. Wilson to Major Lovett. 
Sir, Black Rock Sept. 16, 1812. 

I received your note at Tonawanda on Monday 4 oclock. The UflScial 
notice given you by Gen. Gray on the 10th, closed my duties, and rendered 
the proposed meeting unnecessary. j ^^^ gj^^ ^^^^ l^.^le servt. 

Major John Lovett. Natii' Wilson. 



292 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Major Lovett's Statement. 

" In the National Intelligencer of the 17th instant, I have seen Genl. 
Porters statement of the late aflfair between him and Col. van Rensselaer: 
It is so grossly incorrect that strong reluctance must yield to that just de- 
maud which my friend has a right to make for a true history of facts. 
Such I shall give, uninfluenced by my private opinion of the parties, 
which, probably is not very different from that of my fellow citizens in 
general : 

At Lewiston on the 6th day of Sept. last, Col. Van Rensselaer came to 
my tent, and handed me a letter which he had just received from Gen. 
Porter said he supposed there must be a little private fighting ^one — 
wished me to make the arrangements soon as possible, and went away. 
The letter was long — a hotchpot of respect, friendship, and hostility. The 
complaint in it was, that Col. V. R. had called Gen. Porter a " c? — d 
rascal. " 

Soon after I had read the letter. Col. V. R. came and handed me the 
following note : 

Dear Sir, Lewiston, 6th September 1812 

I hand you a letter just delivered to me by Doct. Wilson from Quar- 
ter Master General Porter. You will readily perceive its object. 1 used 
the epithet charged, I did declare that he had been the means of bringing 
the inhabitants on the frontier into difficulty and then neglected his 
duty, by not furnishing the necessary supplies to carry on the War ; and 
have agreed that a friend should meet Doct. Wilson at Judge Bartons 
at Seven this Evening. I have to request you will dome the favor to 
meet Doct. Wilson, punctually, at the time and place appointed, and act 
as exigencies may require. I am, very respectfully your friend, &c. 
John Lovett, Esq. Sol. Van Rensselaer, 

In the forenoon of the 7th, after General Van Rensselaer and Col. V. R. 
had left the camp for Fort Niagara, Mr. Barton called on me in camp, 
and said Gen. Porter was at his house and wished to see me. I went. 
He said he had ever entertained a high respect for Col. V. R. — never had 
any misunderstanding with him before, and much regretted it now. Dr. 
Wilson asked me if 1 did not think that he and I, bi/ acting a magnani- 
mous part could preserve two valuable men for the /Service! I told him 
the object of our meeting was single and definite : that I had no authority 
but to locate the place of meeting. From Tonawanda returned to camp 
and reported to Col. V. R. the proposition for postponement. He in- 
stantly rejected it saying, " all the fellow wanted was to paddle off. " 

[Mr. Lovett's statement, which is quite lengthy, coincides in every par- 
ticular with Colonel Van Rensselaer's.] In conclusion he says " The fore- 
going statement is tested by very full notes taken at the time. To those 
who are acquainted with Colonel Van Rensselaer, it may appear superflu- 
ous to add, that through the whole affair, his conduct perfectly comported 
with the character he has ever sustained, was such as might be expected 
from a gentleman — a man of honor — the Soldier. 
Albany, 28th Feb. 1813. John Lovett. 

" The Soldier' s'friend." 
Sir. Albany March 10, 1813. 

It has been asserted by an anonymous correspondent, through the 
medium of my paper, that while the brave but unfortunate Col. Van Rens- 



( 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 293 

selaer lay covered with wounds.at a public house at Buffalo, His Excellency 
Gov. Tompkins stopped at the same house for several days: and fliat al- 
though he knew Col. Van Rensselaer to be in the house, and hi.s life 
endangered by his wounds, received in the gallant affair of Qucen.stown, 
yet his Excellency, whose partisans represent him as " the Soldier's friend" 
left the house without expre^-sing a wish to see the Colonel, or making 
even the slightest enquiry after his health. 

That conduct so cold and unfeeling on the part of the Commander in 
Chief of the Militia should be discredited on anonymous testimony, is as 
honorable as it is natural to a brave and a generous people, and I was not 
therefore surprised to learn, that many of my readers disbelieved or doubted 
the statement of my correspondent. As to myself, I had no doubts, because 
the affair, as represented, comported with what my own experience had 
brought me of His Excellency's character, both as a man and a Magistrate. 
It is my wish, however, and iudeed I owe it to the public as an editorial 
duty, to place this affair in a true light, and having understood that you 
was the constant cumpanion of Col. Van Rensselaer while he remained at 
Buffjilo and cau satisfy any doubts that may exist on the subject of this 
communication, I take the liberty of appealing to you for a correct state- 
ment. 

A speedy answer will much oblige Sir, Yours very respectfully, 
John Lovett, Esq. S. SouTUWiCK. 

Major Lovett to Solomon Sotithwick. 

Sir, Albany, March 10, 1813. 

This morning I received your note requesting from me, information 
relative to the conduct of Governor Tompkins towards Col. Solomon Van 
Rensselaer while he lay wounded at Buffalo. I will very briefly state to 
you. Sir, what 1 kvow, and what I have understood. Such was the sever- 
ity of Col. Van Rensselaer's wounds, that I could not move him in any 
carriage. On the 18th of Oct. part of INIajor Mosely's Rifle battalion 
generously ofi'orod to carry him on their shoulders, wherever he wished 
to go, if to Albany. lie wished to go to l^uffalo. Those generous sol- 
diers, under the command of Ensign Grosvenor, carried him to Schlosser; 
there they got a boat on the 19th and rowed him to Buffalo. We put up 
at Landens. Several days after Gov. Tompkins arrived there — put up at 
the same house. I dined three or four days at the same table with the 
Governor. He never made any enquiry of me respecting Col. Van Rens- 
selaer's situation. I never saw him in our room, and Col. Van Rensselaer 
has often told me that the Governor never came near him, nor did he 
send anj' message to him. 

I am Sir, very respectfully your obt. Servant. 

Solomon Southwick, Esq. John Lovett. 

Remarks. 

" After reading the above correspondence, the public will be at no loss 
to determine with what degree of justice the partisans of his excellency 
Daniel D. Tompkins have styled him ' The Soldier's friend.' 

" If there is a spectacle on earth calculated to excite the commiseration 
as well as the admiration of the generous and the brave, it is that of a 
hero nobly bleeding in his country's cause, and suffering the fortune of 
wounds received in avenging her wrongs, or defending her rights. And 
yet, from such a spectacle did the commander in chief of our militia, 



294 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

while on a professional military tour, turn with averted eye, without of- 
ferini; a word of consolation, or the smallest aid of any kind, in alleviation 
of tlie brave man's sufferings. We are aware that the tools of Tyburn 
may suggest as an apology for his excellency's conduct, that Col. Van 
Rensselaer is a political opponent of his excellency. Be it so. But is a 
mere political difference of opinion to stifle the dictates of humanity, and 
render the commander in chief of an army callous to the sufferings of his 
brave, but unfortunate companions in arms ? Humanity is the brightest 
gem in the character of a soldier, and in vain shall he .who does not possess 
it lay claim to that exalted character. Had not our public councils been 
fuided by a mean and narrow party spirit. Col. Van Rensselaer would 
have had the command of a regiment in the regular army of the United 
States. He was recommended for that situation, previous to the declara- 
tion of war, by several republicans who thought him qualified for and en- 
titled to such command, but as we were then informed by a correspondent 
at Washington, his appointment was defeated by the petty tyrants of 
Tyburn hill, to whose remembrance of an old grudge may be attributed 
an interference, on that occasion, which deprived their country of the per- 
manent military services of one of the bravest and most experienced 
officers that ever wielded a sword in her defense. Such is the narrow 
spirit of faction which is ever brooding over imaginary distinctions, or 
indulging the spirit of malignity, to the sacrifice of the best interests of 
community. How much superior to that of our self-styled republican 
rulers, was the conduct of the Emperor Napoleon on a similar occasion. 
He wanted an engineer and had fixed his eye upon a man well qualified 
for this purpose. But he had no sooner manifested his intention 
than some sycophants, like those that swarm about Tyburn, or dangle 
at the levees of Mr. Madison, admonished him not to appoint the 
man he hnd his eye upon, ^ for your majesty,' said the toad-eater, '^ Tnay 
rest assured that he is a Jacobin.' ' It is an ENGINEER that I want,' replied 
Bonaparte coolly, and thus rebuked the impertinence and intolerance of 
the sycophant, while he secured for his army the services of a ■skillful and 
meritouious officer. Let our brave militia-men reflect, that if Governor 
Tompkins should be re-elected he will continue to be at least their nomi- 
nal commander-in-chief. But as their suffrages will either elevate him 
once more to the pinnacle of executive power, or consign him to that pri- 
vate station, for which he is best fitted by nature, it behooves them to re- 
member his treatment of Col. Van Rensselaer for the private soldier will seek 
in vain in his distresses for the sympathetic aid of the man who could thus 
coldly and inhumanly avoid the languid couch of the wounded officer. 
We have too much confidence in the generous feelings of our honest yeo- 
manry to believe, that any suggestions of private pique or the detestable 
influence of party spirit, will be received by them as an apology for con- 
duct, thus marked by every lineament, a feature of cold blooded cruelty. 
The tesiiniouy before them, is no longer that of rumor — it rests no longer 
upon the basis of anonymous authority. Mr. Lovett was the aid-de-camp 
of General Van Rensselaer, and the constant companion of his wounded 
friend and fellow-soldier. His testimony, therefore, is conclusive, it con- 
victs the counnander-in-chief of a dereliction of humanity, the brightest 
ornament of valor — it fixes the seal of delinquency upon his moral as well 
as official character — and it now remains for the ballot boxes to punish the 
delintjuent.'' 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 295 

Gen. Porter's compassion was of the same dye : " In his fiend, like wish 
(when he heard of my [Col. V. K.] being grievously wounded) ' that I 
might not survive my wounds,' did it emanate Irom an honorable njan ?" 

Robert Macomb to Solonion Houthicick. 
Sir, _ March 22, 1813. 

Observing that the conduct of Gov. Tompkins towards (.'ol. Van Rens- 
selaer, whilst at Buflalo, has become a subject of much animadversion in 
your paper, I feel myself compelled, by a sense of justice to submit to 
you the following statement of facts. Col. John W. Jjivingston and my.self 
accompanied Gov. Tompkins, as Aids-de Camp, on his late tour to the 
frontiers; and in this character we arrived at Buflalo. While there his 
Excellency manifested great anxiety for the brave men who had been 
•wounded at Queenston, and for Col. Van Rensselaer among others, abbut 
whose situation he made inquiries of the officers, and particularly of Gen. 
Stephen Van Rensselaer. Gov. Tompkins conceived that he could not 
with propriety, wait personally on Col. Van Rensselaer, without an invita- 
tion, as there was every reason to believe that a visit would be disagree- 
able to Col. Van Rensselaer; he having manifested much personal hostility 
to Gov. Tompkins on several occasions. And Geu. Van Rensselaer, and 
Mr. Lovett, who were perfectly aware of the delicate situation of Gov. 
Tompkins in this respect, did not invite him to see Col. A'an Rensselaer. 
Gov. Tompkins, however, ordered Col. Livingston and myself to wait on 
Col. Van R.; and by his immediate order I took the liberty of asking Mr. 
Lovett, with whom I had no acquaintance whatever, whether I could be 
permitted to see Col. Van Rensselaer. Mr. Lovett fixed the time, when 
he was so good as to introduce me to Col. Van Rensselaer whom I had 
never seen. I passed part of the evening with him, and was happy to find 
him in all respects convalescent. Col. Livingston was akso ordered to call 
on Col. Van Rensselaer. 

As the strictures which have been made on this subject, may have a 
tendency to impute to Gov. Tompkins an unfeeling neglect of our gallant 
Countryman who suffered at Queenstown, it may be well to remark (if 
the character of Gov. Tompkins need any vindication in this regard) that 
immediately after his arrival at Buffalo, he presented to the hospital de- 
partment, ibr the use of the sick and wounded Militia, all his private 
stores whatever, consisting of tea, sugar, coffee, liquors, smoked meats, 
and a variety of groceries which bad been transported for the u.se of him- 
self and suite, and which could not be procured on the Niagara frontier. 
He did not retain a single article for himself 

I beg you. Sir, to publish this note in your paper. 

Solomon Southwick, Esqr. Robert Macomb. 

The following letter from Col. V. R., to the editor of the Albany Re- 
gister, needs no comment. It speaks for itself and will speak home, with 
irresistible effect, to every honest and independent heart. 

Sir, Mount Hope, 24th March, 1813. 

In compliance with your desire and to enable you to correct some errors 
in Col. Macomb's statement, which was published in the last Register, I 
give you the following detail. 

The conduct of Governor Tompkins in not calling on me when I lay 
wounded in the same house where he was, when at Buffalo, became the 



296 , Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

topic of general conversation between the Citizens and Officers at that 
place. Mr. Jolin McConib (who so gallantly distinguished himself in 
assisting to cut out two British Sloops of War off Fort Erie) lodged in 
the same house, and shewed me much attention and friendship. He 
heard the observations made on this subject and I believe felt hurt that 
his relation, Col. Robert McCorab, did not call upon me. He told me one 
afternoon that he would bring his Cousin Robert to see me if I had no 
objections. I replied that I had not any, accordingly they came in one 
evening, and remained a short time in my room. This visit was made 
the third or fourth day after the Governor's arrival, and I believe the 
very evening before he and Col. McComb left Buffalo for Albany. But I 
solemnly declare, that Col. McComb did not communicate to me any 
message from the Governor, nor did I receive one from him through any 
other channel whatever. And as for Col. Liviggston, he never did call 
upon me, althoutrh he remained in the same house in which I was about 
a fortnight after the Governor had left it. While I am again very un- 
willingly drawn before the public, I deem it my*duty to correct an error 
which many minds have been impressed with ; by some it has been sup- 
posed, that I was the brother of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, by 
others his nephew, &c. But the truth is, that the relationship between 
us is very distant indeed, being that of third or fourth cousins only. My 
attachment to him therefore does not arise from this cause, but from an 
intimate knowledge of his Worth ; he is amiable and brave, his feelings 
were ever alive to the sufferings of the inhabitants on the frontier ; to 
the comforts of the troops, and to the honor of their arms. After the 
surrender of General Hull, when a retreat was proposed to him from high 
authority, this gallant man exclaimed with great indignation, " What ! 
shall I abandon the inhabitants to their fate? No, I will dispute every 
inch of ground and sooner die ! " 

I am very respectfully, 

Your Obt. Sevrt. 
Solomon Southwick, Esqr. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

"Justice is precious in all things, but a man's range is very narrow, 
and that certainly could not be called economical justice, however com- 
mendable it may be otherwise, which rights the wrongs of one party — 
or of both the parties directly involved — through gross injustice to others. 
Often these very efforts are decidedly more exasperating than edifying to 
those who are suffering in prison. Alas for the many grievous errors and 
misrepresentations that come in ignoring or diminishing the happiness of 
others; without once realizing that while j^^'^^^notimj the happiness of 
others we are best securing our own. This should be the incentive to 
right action, the noblest, the most heroic and self sacrificing, and then be 
drawn near enough together to banish opprobrious epithets, and to help 
each other in a friendly spirit." 

" Albany, April 8, 1813. Last evening, about? o'clock as John Lovett, 
Esq., clerk, of the city and county of Albany, was leaving his office in the 
Capitol, he was followed by the noted Peter B. Porter, who addressed him 
in a rude and ungeutlemanlike manner, and assaulted him with a cane. 
Mr. Jjovett, who is well known to be by no means deficient in manly 
spirit soon turned upon Porter, and with a small walking stick, which he 
usually carries, belabored him soundly. 

" Darby Noon, a young Irishman, residing sometimes in this city who 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 297 

had been noticed the greater part of the afternoon prowlinp; about Mr. 
Lovett's office in company with Porter, was utteuditiu' hard by, and no 
sooner saw poor I'orier reclinj^ and staj,'i:erini,' under the well administered 
strokes of I\Ir. liovett, than he ran up, and violently seizin-^ the arnj of 
the latter, declaring himself the friend of both, saved his friend Porter 
from a further chastisement which he richly merited." 

The severe struggle in the country for political supremacy, had not yet 
ceased, but these days were memorable for the asperity and violence of poli- 
tical parties. Not satisfied with diseasing the principles which divided the 
federal and democratic cliques, and the merits of the respective candidates, 
low personal abuse, and libelous writings were employed to vilify indi- 
viduals. Mr. Lovett, however, was remarkable for calmness, when others 
were excited ; his conversation was always marked by good sense, ac- 
companied by a suavity of manner that made a favorable impression. His 
fracas with Porter was caused by the atufement. 

" Darby Noon was a native of Irelaud, and a man of great personal 
worth. When Gen. Van Rensselaer received the news of (xcneral Hull's 
surrender, he employed Captain Darby Noon, the leader of a fine com- 
pany of Albany volunteers, who were stationed at Niagara, on the im- 
portant errand of going with information of the disaster, by express, to 
General Dearborn, the senior commander in the army, whose head quarters 
at that time were at Greenbush, opposite Albany, on the Hudson river. 
Captain Noon was a man of great energy, and he performed the service 
in an incredibly short space of time. He rode express all the way, chang- 
ing his horses by impressing them when necessary, assuring the owners 
of remuneration from government. He neither slept on the way, nor 
tasted food excepting what he ate on horseback. When he arrived at 
Greenbush, he was so much exhausted that he had to be lifted from his 
horse, and he was compelled to remain in his bed several days. He raised 
and equipped this volunteer company at Albany, almost entirely at his 
own expense, and in 1813 was commissioned a major in the 41st regiment 
of New York State Militia. His wife was Caroline Broome, daughter of 
Lieutenant Governor Jiroome of New York. Major Noon survived the 
war only eight years, dying in September, 1823." 

Mr. John Lovett Jiad been elected a representative of the state of New 
York in the 13th congress, and soon after proceeded on to Washington. 
" In conformity to a law passed February 2G, 1813, preceding the inaugu- 
ration of Mr. Madison, the thirteenth congress assembled on May 24th, 
and Henry Clay was chosen speaker of the house." 

lion. John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 
Dear Sir. * Philadelphia 18th May, 1813. 

I arrived here last evening in good health and spirits, excepting the 
miserable hangings upon shoulders, head, hips and ribs received from the 
constant starboard and larboard lurches of the stage; a considerable part 
of the road is the worstlever saw in a Christian land. The road is literally 
cut hub deep, and wagons inimmerable passing and repassing from Tren- 
ton to New York with goods. I certainly speak within bounds, when 
Baying that we yesterday passed more than 2000 Harrels of Flour on the 
way to New York. Every hut, blacksmith's shop, house, shed and hovel 
ia filled with flour — 10, 20, 60, 100 Barrels in a place, and piled on the 
sides of the road, and many loads thrown down in the mire. Such are 

38 



298 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

facts, you may comumuicate them as such to our Wheat-holders, they may 
take these tilings into account in making up their calculations. Genl. 
Van Kensselacris in the city, I shall try to find him this afternoon In 
the present awfully distracted condition of the affairs of our country, it 
would be worse than idle and vain for me, an unfledged politician, to risk 
any opinion as to the mighty events which will most probably be com- 
pressed into the next six months. As to the great question of Peace or 
War, Mr. Parish says the Administration can do notJmig else hut make a 
JPcQ.ce» 4 

Washington May 25, 1813. 
The Papers will tell you all I can write of general news. All is calm as 
yet. We take our seats and look most significantly grave and dignisi- 
mously wise at one another. It will be idle for me to send you the Mes- 
sage, the Birds of the air will outfly the Mail. Yours &c. John Lovettt. 

John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. 

My dear Sir, Washington June 12th, 1813. 

The House have held out so late, in an awful squabble upon the Election 
between Hungerford and Taliaferro of Virginia, that I have scarcely time 
to tell you, (after swallowing my green Beans whole,) that I am alive and 
well. In this horrid region of turmoil, I can give you nothing new more 
than what you see in the Papers. The Budget you have seen. Whether 
the People will quietly back it, is the great question. I think I can dis- 
cover that the Majority doubt : doubt whether they shall wiri the Saddle, 
and ride, completely caparisoned to the d — 1; or loose their Horse, and ■ 
trudge the same journey, on foot : home they must go. This stride must, 
I think either establish, or overthrow their power. Poor, deluded Ame- 
rica ! All are looking to Congress for relief! Strange infatuation ! Dont 
they know that we came together for the express purpose of increasing 
their burdens? Wretchedly loyal People : so long had they been governed 
by wisdom and integrity : so long had they been accustomed to look to 
the God of their Fathers, and to their Kulers for deliverance in times of 
deep distress, that the habit is rooted in their very souls — they cannot, 
they will not believe that the sceptre is transferred to the hands of knaves 
and fouls. Like the affectionate Mother Bird, so attached to the Nest she had 
built with great toil, and where her darling treasure was lately deposited, that 
when robbed of all by some ruffian, she still abides by her nest; wailing, 
but in hope, that her loss may be restored, her grief assuaged and her joys 
rekindled. Idle hope ; her moan is vain, she but wastes iier strength for 
naught, and when feeble and emaciated, the ruffian who despoiled the 
heart's treasure will seize and cage her. But my heart swells. I forbear. 

Presuming that Johnny Cook is dead, I only wish to know if his friends 
mean to give Scarfs? 

An Express tells us, there are 27 of the Enemy's ships in the Chesa- 
peake and mouth of the Potomac ! We dont mind it, for one, I am pre- 
pared to fight a little, then run as usual. I will put this in, not to flatter 
you, but to do justice to the good heart of^ true friend. At dinner on 
Sunday at T. Wallace's house, he introduced me to several Merchants from 
New York. Of Green Peas, and huge Cucumbers with young Potatoes I 
say nothing, for they are all the while before us. Our Desert was Straw- 
Lurries as big as grape shot, and cream. 

Tummy had gut his Bottle of Madeira, in the cooler, slyly between his 
feet. He raised it up at proper time, and with triumphant hand, urged 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 299 

iiic to take a slass, I declined, saying it will make mo sleepy. " Never 
mind," says Tommy, " we'll drink one glass to Alexander." With this 
we all filled, (I understood him.) Our Toast was given — the Gentlemen 
made some observations pointed towards Russia. " No, no," says Tommy. 
" that's not the man I mean. I mean Joseph Alexander — my wortliy friend 
at Albany," so we all drank Yourself. Now, Sir, as you have become 
the Toast at a public table in Washington, I advise you to marry as soon 
as possible, otherwise you may fare the same fate as Tommy says I must. 
He says I stand so unreasonably hii;h in this country that I must fall. 
Give me my hearing, and a little time and I'll try to prevent it. 

JonN LOVETT. 

June 17, Ilmty Sketch of Proceedings. 
Mr. Hopkins, from Ontario, presents the petition of Pomcroy of HufTalo, 
praying an enquiry into the conduct of the Troops who destroyed his pro- 
perty, and prays remuneration therefore. Mr. H., prays it may be referred 
to a Select Committee. Mr. Fisk, of New York, opposes the reference, and 
moves that the Petition lie on the table — saying that this House has no 
authority to enquire into " Riots committed hi/ Soldiers in the discu.\uoe 

OF THEIR DUTY !" 

M. Goldsborough. — Maty, advocates the Reference, and givesa huraoroas 
criticism upon Mr. Fisk. Mr. Comstock calls for reading of the Docu- 
ments. Mr. Hopkins very ably and eloqucntli/ urges the reference upon 
sound and broad principles. Mr. Fisk perseveres in his opposition. One 
(whom I don't know) adverts to the Petition presented, last session, by the 
inhabitants of the Indian Territory, praying remuneration for destruction 
by Mounted Riflemen, that petition was refused — and the Report was in 
favor of it. Mr. Fisk having insinuated that Pomcroy produced the Riot 
by intemperate expressions respecting the war; upon this, Mr. Grosvenor 
animadverts with some severity. Motion that Petition lie on the table 
negatived. Riot motion for reference to Common Claims carried by 
small majority. 

The business of the morningbeing disposed of, Mr. Webster's Resolutions 
are called up. Gen. Wright takes the floor, I hear his noise, but undor- 
Btand him not, nor do I think he understands himself I have just been 
across the house, out of curiosity to hear Wright ; and I can with great 
truth say, as the honest (Jerman did of the smell of the Polecat : " vcii I 
vas kood vays ofi" t smell'd em mighde sdroug : ten I comes up glosc py 
em, and, py dei- divils kite, he sdankt so dat I coud zmcll noding unter 
Cot's heavens." Wright having blown out, as Furnace men say, Farrar 
raises his ([uandom ministerial tone ; but. forgetting that he has changed 
the (/t'.s/.: for a l(yislatioe Jloor, he makes a little too free with Man's Motives. 
Mr. Speaker calls him to order ! He concludes by motion for indefinite 
postponement. [Henry Clay was speaker.] Mr. Oakleij — will not attempt 
to reply, to the observations of the Hon. Gentleman from Maryland, hav- 
ing understood that the Hon. gentleman h:is been considered as privileged 
to say many things to which no gentleman on this side the House is under 
any obligation to reply. I can assure you that this is a proud day on the 
floor for New York. Not a man on this floor has been listened to with 
more attention than Mr. Oakley ; and Mr. Hopkins acquitted himself very 
hdudsomely. 

More and more: Oakley has both /T^'^As- and Bo^/ow, he is m sterly. 
He is prompt, luminous, pointed. In the most shrewd and cunning 



300 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

manner, he assails the President, yet in such cautious phraseology, that 
no old Foxes can check him. In discussing the question whether the 
Executive of the U. S. has been in the habit of brooking insult, Oakley, 
in the happiest manner reviews the scene with Jackson, he paints to us 
the fire and rage excited even by the " suspicion of an Insinuation of 
an INSULT ! " I confess, says Oakley, that it would give me heartfelt 
satisfaction, to see the Forehead of the French Government branded with 
a Falsehood. Oakley consumes one hour. And more glory to New 
York, Grosvenor takes the floor in style. I stand, says G., on the freehold 
of the Constitution, and so standing, I will speak plainly, but decorously, 
and from my stand, I will never be removed without one hard struggle. 
I find so much to admire in the comprehensive view which Grosvenor 
takes, that I note not particulars — he is as usual able, and elegant. The 
little French Secretary sits shrugging his shoulders while his Court is 
branded with every kind of epithet. Grosvenor occupies the floor for 
half an hour. It is hotter, in this house, than purgatory. I can no 
more, only say that it is now 3 p. M. — the IVlajority are sorely pressed. 
The Speaker has placed a substitute in the Chair and I suspect has been 
half an hour canvassing with the heads of his Squad how they can get 
out of this scrape with lea&t disgrace ; for disgraced, you may rest assui'ed, 
they must be in the result of this discussiop. Should we (^drry the Reso- 
lutions, they must cut — should they .si'/'07!^/e them, the Nation mi(s< draw 
the inference. Democracy sees and dreads the daily increasing difliculties ; 
it is visible in our house, and in the Senate there are serious divisions. 
The disasters which Iknoio must happen on the Frontiers in this campaign 
must shake the Nation to the centre. Our expenditures are now $6,000,000, 
yes Six Million per month ! Grosvenor closes near 4 P. M. Mr. Grundy 
says the question has taken a vast range and nine on both sides ought to 
have an opportutiity to speak. Move is for adjournment — the question 
will occupy one, if not two days more. I am a little afraid Grosvenor 
has taken some grounds a little too high, and that he may, possibly, be 
assailed. As one of the Executors of Johnny Cook, you will tell our 
friends all I know. John Lovett. 

Mr. Joseph Alexander. 

One of Mr. Lovett's early friends " Mr. Herman Knickerbocker, author 
of the veracious history of New York, was another gentleman of the law — 
a lineal descendant of Dedcrick Knickerbocker ; he was well known as 
* the Prince of Schaghticoke.' When in 1812 he represented the county 
of Rensselaer in congress, it was quite natural that Mr. Madison, then 
president, should have inquired of one representing not only the county, 
but the Dutch dynasty, what was the difference between the Reformed 
Dutch church and Presbyterians? The reply could not have been im- 
proved by Dedcrick himself; as veracious as anything contained in the 
history of his venerable ancestor, he said : ' The one sang long metre, the 
other sang short metre.' " • 



Representatives of the state of New York in the IStli Congress : John Lefferts, 
Ebcnczer Sage, Egbert Benson, Jotham Post, Jun., Peter De Noyelles, Thomas 
J. (^iikley, Tliomas P. Grosvenor, Jonatlian Fisk, Abraham Hasbrouck, Samuel 
Shrrwood, John Lovett, Hosea MoiTitt ; Oliver C. Comstock, Samuel M. Hopkins, 
Morns S. Miller, Diiuid Avery, Nathaniel W. Howell, James Geddas, Moses 
Ki-nt, Alexander Boyd, &c., &c. ' 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 301 

Hon. John Lovett to Solomon Van liensHclaer. 

My dear Colonel, Washington, June 22, ISi:}. 

A thousand times you have exclaimed, "Why in the name of friend- 
ship, don't Lovett write me ? " Ah ! and (wo thousand times, Lovett says, 
"to day, I will write the Colonel." But, precisely what old Doctor Flavel 
said of his conduct in a shipwreck, any mcmher of Congress might, with 
great propriety, say here : " We were all busy in doing nothiii;/. and did, 
■vie knew not what." Again, I did not like to write you, until I could 
say something as to the material point: and, as to that, I assure you, 
there is such diversity of sentiment, as really embarrasses me. Mistake 
me not. yl// admit the merit, the claim, the justice, the talents: all are 
willing, and wish to serve; but moat doubt as to ichat will really serve. 
Judge Benson says, " yes. Sir — yes, yes. Sir — something must be 
done in that business: but, Lord, Sir, you see nothing can bo done. Sir, 
this Session : not at all. Sir, that matter, Sir, must rest until the Winter 
Session, Sir, yesj nothing, now. Sir." 

German says, " I hardly know what is best, we must consult 'round a 
little and see how matters are like to turn." I could have wished to see 
Mr. King [Kufus King] on the subject, for I can assure you he is, here, 
the very Oracle even with Democracy. I think they would be heartily 
glad to hustle poor Madison, [James Madison, President] and this scant- 
patterned old skeleton of a French liarber, Gerry [Elbritlge Gerry, Vice 
President] offhand and make Mr. King factotum iu all things, liut un- 
fortunately, I missed the General, in Philadelphia, and missed a single 
line to Mr. King, which I had intended to solicit. The plain truth is, 
that Federalists do not like to have you go into the Army : especially as 
they calculate, with moral certainty that the campaign is to close with 
defeat, and total disgrace. One thing has settled my mind as to the course 
I ought to pursue : it is asserted, upon high authority, that Wi//,-inson is 
soon to be here. Dearborn's blunders iu this Campaign, particularly iu 
suffering the little army at Fort George to e.^cape, tlierei)y laying the 
found'ation for the capture of Gens. Winder and Chandler on June Cth, 
and leaving the way open for Proctor's Retreat, and junction with the 
army at the head of the Lake, create great heart burnings here : and you 
may rest assured I make the most of them — indeed some say, that my 
particular knowledge of the country enabled me to begin them. But you 
will instantly say, " what can t/oh say on the subject ? " Why, Sir, people 
here, love Pork no well that they eat Fiij-Yohrs : not a niiin, here, will 
dispute a Military oi)inion advanced by a soldier who has served three 
mouths under Genkh.vl Van Rknsselakr and served as half a Second, 
in more than half a Duel with Col. Van Reiissrlaer ! Z«unds, Sir, this is 
thought service, complete iVilitarj/ Eilucation at Washington. But, to 
the point, Wilkinson did make every effort for you, here, last spring: he 
did assure the Administration that there was not an Officer in the United 
States so competent, as yourself, to Command a Regiment of Dragoons. 
I shall wait Wilkinson's arrival, and although I dcspuse the wretch, in 
my soul, will try to use him. You know that no calculations can be made 
as to the movements of-' the Powers that be:" the whole play is lilunder 
upon Blunder; and who can tell where a blunderer will fall? But from 
present appearances, I think it very probal^le that Wilkinson will super- 
sede Dearborn : I shall watch this movement : for if Wilkinson goes 
to the North, you will doubtless, I thiuk, go with him : and you will 



302 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Ijotli : but T had better reserve my prophecy until I see you. At 

present, I will only quote the expressions of old Colonel Lewis, the St. 
Rc'is Chief when last winter with us; " Crooked war — crooked war — 
this is a dreadful crooked war ! " 

Although you write me nothing, still I know your movements, on the 
14th instant, in the morning, you and your Daughter left New London ; 
and what do think the fools here say you went for ? Why, to fi(jht Ad- 
miral Hardy ! [of the British Squadron.] " Ah, ha;" say they; " Hardy 
will have wit enough to keep off as long as Col. Van Rensselaer, Decatur, 
and Huntington are there with Continental Troops." On the whole, if 
you were not, constitutionally, just as you are, absolutely insatiable of 
military fame, I should most heartily advise you never again to step foot 
in the field of .Mars ; for you must have great good fortune ever to get a 
single peg higher ; to say nothing of the chances of falling lower. I 
think any modest man ought to be satisfied with the place you hold in 
the Battle of Queenstown, as it is now exhibited in Boston. Do you know 
why they didn't put me in too ? Why, the poor stupid devils could find 
no Artist who knew how to represent a Deaf man ! Curse their stu- 
pidity : why, could not they have represented me as I sit in the House, 
here, with one hand behind my ear, with my neck twisted one way, and 
my eyes the other ? And, if that were not sofl&ciently intelligible, hang 
a Label upon my ear with a " this is the Z>ea/old Soldier." But, to be 
serious : I hear something better than 1 did, but almost despair of my 
right ear coming to ; at any rate, I would at a venture commute my left 
arm for it. 

I can assure you^ Sir, that could I lay aside the solicitude inseparably 
connected with the deplorable state of our country I should find my situa- 
tion this summer very different from the last. I have located myself, by 
myself; I mess with no one; have an excellent cool chamber; a never 
failing fountain of good water at the foot of the piazza stairs ; cold and 
warm baths only twenty rods off at the moderate rate of ^5 for the Session. 
The furniture of my chamber was the British Minister Jacksons ; then 
used by Mr. Quincy and now mine. There are a number of Democrats 
who lodge under the same roof I am sociable with, but we neither eat 
nor drink together. Among them is old Gen. Tannehill and Col. Piper 
of the Peun.sylvania Militia who were at Buffalo last fall ; they possess the 
highest esteem for Gen. Van llen.sselaer, and wonder how he ever got 
along so well as he did. Indeed I have never heard the tongue of man speak 
of the General here, but with great respect. The other day, when Stephen's 
presentation to the Empress of France was announced, th^jy came all cack- 
ling round nie to ask if he was not the Son of the General V. R. General 

now of Pittsburgli, fomerly Quarter- Master of Wayne's Army, was 

lately here, and chartjed me to mention him to you. Let me hear from you. 

Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, John Lovett. 

Adjutant General, Albany. 

John Locett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Washington, July IG, 1813. 

1 have this moment received your letter of the 11th instant. I have 
but a single minute to answer it, nor am I in writing mood — after we had 
been steeped in Tax Bills for.five hours, the doors were closed and wc 
were boilcil and roasted three hours longer; almost to suffocation ; and 

' St. Ret'ia wuh an Indian villaye on the ' Lino 'attacked Oct. 1812. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 303 

the cursed old fashioned Militia poppiiij; of the Sentinels, throuj^h the 
nijlht, deprived me of sleep. You know we had war all day yesterday in 
the District of Columbia : to day we have pretty peaceable times a^'ain. 
As to the main point Wil/cinson is constantly expected here ; and the 
voice of all here is that he must command at the S'orth. I advocate it, 
provided that Boi/d and i/ou will serve under him. I can make a power- 
ful party for this, should Wilkinson arrive before I leave this. 

In a Democratic Paper published at Alexandria, to day, I saw from an 
English account, the character of Brock — comments on his glorious fall ; 
and the desperate valor of (hose who made the attack. I can't, again, find 
the paper. 1 think we shall adjourn in ten days. 

Don't you know that in the Panorama, at lioston, they have the I3attle 
of Queeustown ; and the full length I'ortrait of Yourself '{ Do you under- 
stand ? '' 

Stop — Slap : here comes closed doors again at 4 oclock. We shall all get 

thin at any rate, steeping 8 hours per dav. ,r i x i 

•' ' ^ ° ^ " 1 ours ever, most truly. 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Joun Lovett. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
Interesting Letters from Washington. 

Jo?i>i Lavett to Joseph Alexander. 

My dear Sir, Washington, July 17, 1813. 

I shall write you but a line to day. We have for several da^s been 
bamboozled for 7 or 8 hours per day with closed doors kc. itc. And as 
many nights by the yells and popping of our undisciplined Patrols ; this 
kind of life has thrown a number of us aback and myself among the rest. 
I am not sick, but so far from being tcell, that for the first time during 
the Session, I had to hire myself hacked to the Capitol. 1 shall be well 
in tico days, probaldy in one. As to our alarm, it has not entirely sub- 
sided : the enemy's !<hips, live or six of them, lay about 70 miles below 
us — at anchor — wind ahead. 1 have always supposed that if an attack 
should be made upon this place, it would be from the vicinity of Annapolis. 
It is said the enemy are now, in considerable force in that neighborhood, I 
therefore think it rather probable that an attack is still intended, and that 
the two movements are in concert. Notwithstanding the Report of our 
Com. on Military Affairs, we are, here, almost as defenceless as Albany. 
A few hours will probably decide whether we shall sit, run, or jii/ht. The 
enemy back of Fort George have lately driven in our Picket Guard, killed 
some, and took 40 or 50 men attempting ti) reinforce the guards. They 
have also crossed over to Black Rock and destroyed the stores we had there 
and done other mischief. The Post Master General, this morning relating 
these things exclaimed "/i! does seem as if the very Devil is our luck!" 



304 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The Chairman of the Com. on Naval x\ffairs has this morning introduced 
a Resolution to hold out strong encouragement to private armed ships : or 
stript of disguise, to lore a hole through the Non importation Law, lanje 
enotii/h to throw a little money (enough to pay funeral charges; in the hands 
of th: Admin, and, the Monopoly into the hands of Ships Cousins. And 
now we come to a Division on the adoption of the Kesolution — Ayes 
56 — Noes 52. 

This Resolution embraces leave to bring in a Bill, and when it shall come 
in there will be kicking. We want Peace, or War, no mungrel state of 
Hostile Commerce, calculated at once to debase ourselves, and to answer, 
precisely, the object of Great Britain. I don't know but I deceive myself, 
but it appears to me this is going to open a hole to crawl out. Only ad- 
vert to the practicability of an understanding between Importers and Pri- 
vateers &c &c. 

Ques : Is this the way to get Blankets and Coats for our Soldiers ? Good 
Moses ! if a man wants to learn about a Dilemma place him in a situation 
like the present. On a motion for the indefinite postponement of this 
Bill, Groscenor rises again, and you may rest assured that by a peculiar 
species of candor, facetiousness and accommodation : a sort of indescribable 
mixture of tenderness and severity ; of nettles and cookies ; daggers and 
balsam he is heard with great attention, and if ani/ body could be regarded 
he would gain headway. ISth. Although I verily believe there is not 
upon the face of the earth a nation which would feel less solicitude at the 
jeopardy of their Capitol than the U. S., still as I cannot be sure that you 
all feel a perfect indiflference, I endeavor to keep you apprised of the wag 
of the war. As yet the Capitol is standing, and Congress are neither 
killed nor taken ; but many, I may say a disgraceful number are missing. 
I have all along said, if the enemy meant to attack this place at al-1, it 
would be from the vicinity of Annapolis, and that the soiinrling, and bouy- 
ing the Potomac was a preparatory measure for securing their Retreat by 
that route should it be necessary. Now, Sir, the enemy are all out of the 
Potomac. Possibly before T close this letter, at evening, we may hear 
wore on this subject. If the Dogs are coming at all, I hope it may be 
before adjournment, that we may at least get the honor of a peep at them. 
We shall probably adjourn the 2nd. of August. I think present appear- 
ances, in the movements of the enemy, rather warrant the conclusion, that 
they mean to harrass, weaken and wear down, rather than risk much in 
bold and hazzardous dashes ; they will try to tucker out the Antient Dom- 
inion. I understand they have an excellent Rendezvous at the mouth of 
the Potomac, on an Island, where they have plenty of Beeves, Sheep &c. 
All accounts agree that they are recruiting rapidly from the Plantations; 
the Negroes desert in droves, and are kindly received, put in companies, 
uniform, armed and all. Possibly they will, by and by, be able to march a 
Regiment through some sections of the country collecting more Volunteers. 
At any rate there begins to be loud howling on this subject. You have 
seen Coleman's comments upon the present state of New London. I was 
going to say there is a deep game playing on this subject. But I have almost 
done imputing to the Heads of Departments any thing like deep game, 
scheme, or plot. Every day their movements convince me, more and more, 
that (excepting some plan and concert as to the preservation of their Popu- 
larity) all is blunder upon blunder; the blind result of sheer ignorance, 
stupidity and total incapacity. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 305 

Now I will tell you what I knoto as to the arrangements at New London. 
On the lltliinst. Gen, Huntington arrived here with instructions fmni 
Gen. Smith to enter into certain arrangements with the Secretary at War, 
as to the future defense of New London and the Squadron. On the morn- 
ing of the 12th, he called upon the Sec. of War, to know when the.<*ul)ject 
would be taken up. 9 oclock, on the morning of the 13th was agreed 
upon. Gen. Huntington witli Messrs Dana and Dagget of the Senate, 
attended. Payment to the State of Connecticut for the Expedition w:i.s 
pretty readily acceded to — the Pay-master was to be immediately sent on, 
and the Commissary, and Quarter iMuster's accounts to be adjusted &c. 

The proposition from Gen. Smith was to luud the crews of the Squad- 
rons ; post part of them at the forts, and part on the high grounds buck 
of the Squadron, and <//.s7«/.s.sj;ay^ fj/ //t'j Militia, retainimj part Mill in 
service. The Sec. of War would not do this without consulting the Sec. 
of the^avy — he was called in ; but did not choose to decide the matter 
until ne could advise with Com. Decatur. And so the Council broke up ; 
and on the morning of the 14th, Gen. Huntington left this for New York 
and Poughkeepsie, from there to cross over to Sharon, and report to Gen. 
Smith. Now you find that on the ls( of this month, the Sec. of War had 
ordered the commanding officer at New London to dismias all the Militia ; 
and that, too, while the State of Connecticut was actually drafting a new 
Detachment to relieve the old. I have been the more particular on this 
subject that you may be prepared to vindicate the conduct of Conn, and 
place the blame where it ought to tall, should any disaster befal the s(juad- 
ron, as present appearances warrant apprehensions. Conn, don't mean to 
defend the Navy without money that's the business. I believe there is 
no doubt of the aifair at Fort George and Black Rock ; old Varnuin has 
got a squally letter from his son at Niagara, but he will tell none of us 
the particulars. 

2. P.M. — Trouble, trouble, troiihlevL'^van. Here comes a foaming E.Kpress! 
the enemy's fleet, strongly reinforced, " 48 Sail are standing up the Po- 
tomac with a fair wind ! " The President and Secretary of War [Gen. 
Armstrong] both wrote answers — and away went the return Express, full 
speed ; And to enhance the terror, the natural world seemed to lend ita 
aid to the military ; for we were in the midst of a tremendous thunder 
gust. I said, " I mean to keep cool at least until I can see the enemy ; and 
then I will promise one of three things; to Ji'jht ; run; or adopt Sancho's 
creed, and take care of my wallet." I think the latter corps will get the 
most Volunteers from Congress, To show how well we manage every 
thing, we need only observe movements ; an excellent Company of Rich- 
mond Volunteers marched by, an hour ago, on their way to Sackett.s 
Harbor. , There may be a squally night ahead — but thank heavens, not 
worse than I have seen and much less responsibility. 

Yours ever truly 

Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. JouN Lovett. 

John Lovett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Colonel, • Washington July 27, 1313, 

I hope you will do me the justice to recollect that I am literally buried 
up in correspondence and other duties. We may adjourn within a week, 
Itis my determination to wait here until Wilkinson arrives ; which will proba- 
bly be by the lUth August*— it may be before. It is time, both ou account 

39 



306 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

of your years, interest, inclination, and every thing, to have the matter set- 
tled whether you shall be restored to the Army, or confine all your future 
views and arrangements to civil life. Vibrating between the two, has long 
injured you essentially, and will continue to injure you until settled. You 
may think me rash to attempt this affair alone, but after all is said and 
done, I am the only one who knows you^ and that innatiahJe thirst for Mili- 
tary Fame loith which Nature has blest, or curst, (call it as you please) j/o-w. 
What may be the influence of .Tompkins, Spencer, and Jenkins here, I 
know not ; I shall try it. 

You will notice in the Intelligencer of yesterday, Gales animadversions 
upon the conduct of the Democrats in the Senate, relative to Gallatin — this 
is a fire brand — they call Gales ad — d little mischief making '' Enylish- 
man." " Tha's na look about the oose," to day. Nelson and Eppes are 
by the ears — Nelson, as Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs, has 
brought in a Bill for remitting duties on goods taken by " PrivateArmed 
Vessels." He thunders, and stamps, and slaps his desk, and tells us the 
^^ spirit of Privateer inrj is "paralyzed, and never will rise icithout GREAT en- 
couraijement" Now. all this is admitted. Alarm has blown over; our 
troops returned from below to day. We have passed the Bill authorizing 
another Loan of S7, 500. 000. As this bill sailed thro' the house it was raked 
fore and aft, until hardly a Democrat would stay at his quarters. Pitkin 
entered, at length, into the situation of our Finances. The awful tale made 
long faces. The poor, poor, poor devils do not know what to do. When 
pressed on every side with damning truths, the usual expedient is for some 
Bawler to rise, strain his eyes open, slap his desk, and in distracted Screams 
to appeal to us all to know if we will give up our rights — surrender our 
Independence, and become eternal slaves to Britain ? I think they will 
adopt the sentiment in Armstrong's toast : " 8inli, the Ship rather than 
give itvp." Wilkinson will command the Northern Army. 

Chapin, I see, has made his escape with his company, he may tell us some 
truth.-5. On a number of pretty important party questions lately decided, 
Taylor, Ilashrook and Comstock, of our State — Durall, a fine spunky 
little iellowfrom Kentucky — Calhoun and some of their cyphers voted with 
us — nay they fni(jht their brethren Black Snake and Crow. In one very 
important instance (no matter what or when) the Committee of Foreign 
llelations reported in the ve7-y teeth of a Recommendation of the President ! 
This was the d — 1. Mr Speaker stared — expressed his astonishment. So 
servile are the Majority, that the little booby at the palace, is as much a 
despot as the Dey of Algiers. Our House have this day agreed to the" 
amendment proposed by the Senate to the Direct Tax bill asrespects the 
City of New York; the Senate took off about S70,000 from the City and 
divided it among the counties. I think it will remain as it is. — on New 
York : alias on De Witt Clinton. The News, confirmed, from Europe, re- 
lative to Armistice, you doubtless have. 
July 21th. 

" And all is hush, 
" Save the dull roar, which previous to the storm, 
''Rolls o'er tU^ eartk, disturbs the liood, and shakes 
" The forest leaf without a single breath." 

So the sweet Bard, Thompson, sung of the Natural world : Am\ so the 
Supaan-fr,/ Urd would this morning s\xig oi' the Military and Political 
world. Nothing stirring. The Senate sat all' day -yesterday with closed 
doors — we are every moment expecting to hear from them. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 307 

Now let's you and T, old soldiers, talk war a little. You kno%(for I take 
it jou kuow every thiug which I do, and a great deal more.) Here comes 
a Dash! go on — go on — go on — and borrow money — 816,000,000, 
$7,500,000 — and as much more as you please, and the " Ships Cousins" 
will take a liberal Toll of every grist. Ilere comes a liill making appro- 
priation for the Oufjif of our Minister to Russia; and among the rest; 
" ho : began, Monsieur Thompson come again !" Aboutthe year 'y8 John Q. 
-4(/am.s was sent to Berlin — an (>«//«/ of $0000 : then to Russia, an (JHtfU 
oti$9000 ; and now, while the same Scamp J. Q. A. is naturally \sfitt,d 
at Russia at a salary of S9000 per annum, he must have an Ovrjit of 
$9000 more ! While this same Brat was Charge de Affairs at Holland 
he had a^ semi out jlt of §4,500. President Washington appointed him a.s 
Minister to Lisbon: his father. Old John, came into power, and changed 
the destination of his son ; he sent him to Berlin — his other half oi' the 
outfit was then added, to wit, §4:, 500 more, and this same ./. Q. A., ex- 
pressed his entire satisfaction therewith, and this good old Timothi/ 
swears. When Mr. Thomas Piuckney was sent, after Jay's Treaty, to 
Spain, to adjust with the Spaniards the Navigation of the Mississippi and 
Deposit at New Orleans, tlien he had an additional salary, but no outfit. 
The Constitution speaks of outfit to a Minister going from the U. S. 
When, in 1795, it became necessary for us to have a Minister in England 
to exchange the Treaty then lately negotiated. President Washington 
ordered Old John Adams from the Hague to London for the purpose 
aforesaid. Money was then placed in the hands of a Banker to pay Old 
John's Expenses; but no Outfit. After being beat and banged all 
round by the few stiif barked Feds who remain, the. Bill passes to allow 
Adams $4500, for just a great 0. Thank Hpaven, the House adjourns, 
and no news from the Senate ! every day counts. 

This afternoon, Nelson, otlierwise called ^Euliis moved a Resolution for 
the appointment of a Committee to report the Honors to be conferred on 
the Memory of the Heroes, who laid down their lives for their country, 
and Provision to be made for their Families. But as we had previously 
voted all our money away to buy Furniture for Mrs. Madison, and gew 
gaws for J. Q. A., we let Nelsons Resolution lie on the Table. 

Hear ye — hear ye — hear ye ! 

All grades of Heroes vrho'wish to lay down their lives for their country 
in this righteous and honorable war, are desired to repair immediately to 
the Standard of their Country and repeat the creed of the noble Scotch 
Laird Lovat ^'- Dnicc et dccor>im rst pro patria mori;" then back their 
creed by death, and they shall share the same fate with Lawrence and 
Pike. 

My dear Colonel, Washington August 2, 1813. 

We adjourn to day — every thing is in such buzz that 1 can write you 
nothing of general concerns, indeed we have nothing new. Let me, how- 
ever, tell you and our friends a great truth in a very few words. 1 know 
you will only say Lovett is always too ardent, and credulous; but my life 
for it you will find me correct. Never have the weights been so rapiilly 
■ shifted from the bad to the good scale as within the last week. While 
Executive Omnipotence could hurl the bolts of destruction to any man who 
dared resist, men dared not speak, or vote their opinions. But now, since 
the Embargo Law [•' Which prohibited the sailing of any vessel lor any 



308 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

foreign po»t ; except foreign vessels, with such cargoes as they had on 
boiird when notified of the act, was speedily followed by a supplement 
prohibiting exportations by land, whether of goods or specie"] has been 
killed, and the cursed substitute, Non Exportation Act strangled, in onr 
house, Democrats do talk and act like men I assure you. Not another act 
for Commcreial Restriction can be carried. The Bow has been over- 
strained, and mark me, will never carry again. Duvall, of Kentucky, one 
of the noblest fellows they have, and Bibbs the Senator, agreed that it 
would not do to oppose Commerce any longer, and say that now, nine- 
tenths of the Western and Southern People will vote Navy and Commerce. 
General Wilkinson arrived here in the night of the 31st. On the morn- 
ing of the 1st (yesterday) I addressed him a note, getting no answer, I 
this morning addressed another note to him, I received the answer in- 
closed, [" Genl. Wilkinson will have the Honor to wait on Mr. Lovett 
in one Hour, or perhaps half an hour. 8 oclock, Monday Morning."] 

To show myself very gracious, instead of waiting his call, I called at 
his lodgings : met him at the door, on his way to my lodgings. He was, 
in a moment all gaiety, debonair, and polite, though pressed with com- 
pany, he excused himself and took me to a private room. He would 
hardly permit me to introduce you to him ; saying that I must permit him 
to say, he knew Colonel Van Rensselaer better than any other man. Par- 
ticulars are needless; suflSce it to say, he is head, heart and hand, most 
devotedly yours. He is making up his mind as to taking command of the 
Northern Army, considers the responsibility infinite, that he must con- 
quer or die ; lose all his fame, or acquire more ; that he will not under- 
take until he can be assured of the means to be put into his hands. He 
says thus, " If I am to assume that command I must have 1000 fine fellows 
mounted, with Muskets, and commanded by just such an Ofiicer as Solomon 
Van Rensselaer." I hinted softly, at some reasons why the administration 
had not called you to the field ; and expressed the sense you entertained 
of the General's regard for you while your pretensions were under con- 
sideration. He .said he would avail himself of an early opportunity to 
inform me of the reason ichj/ you were not appointed. Mutual engage- 
ments parted us, he will call on me this evening. Now keep yourself cool, 
don't expect uni/ thimj, then all that's gotten will be clear gain. I regret 
that Wilkinson had not been here a day or two sooner, that we might 
have so modified the laws we have been passing authorizing more force, 
as to have embraced such a Corps as he contemplates ; but I believe we 
have an act that will substantially embrace it, with less stretching than is 
customary in these days. At any rate I have now got the subject fairly 
in hand, and I will not quit it until I have seen a fair trial of the influence 
of your friends, against that of Tyburn, I told you I would try it, and 
tried it shall be. As I may stay here yet several days, I leave it to you 
to explain the reason as far as you may tliink proper. It is impossible to 
write — all is bustle. You and I have been often disappointed that once 
more, will be but once more, therefore keep quiet till you hear from me 
again — Interim. Truly Yours, 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope, Albany. John Lovett, 

General Wilkinson while in command at New Orleans had received a 
letter from the Secretary of War, John Armstrong — to proceed with the 
least pos.siblc delay, to the head (juartcrs of Major General Dearborn. ^ 
These are now at Sackelt's Harbour, on Lake Ontario, Gen. W. says, I " 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 309 

obeyed the order with complacency, and did not waste a moment in my 
preparation, to take a long t'arewell. 

Gov. I'ampkins to Sol. Van Ecnimclaer. 

Albany Sept. 3, 1813. 

The Adjutant General is requested to Sitrn the Commissions and Gen- 
eral Orders organizinc; the Detachment re(|uircd by General Orders of 
31st July. If the return for promotions in the Chenango Brigade (Genl. 
German's) are in his possession, the Commander in Chief wishes to see 
them or to be informed whether Col. Halcom of that Brigade has resigned ? 

Solomon V. Rensselaer, Esq., Adjutant General. 

"Every Iristory has one quality in common with eternity. Begin where 
you will, there is always a beginning back of the beginning. And, for that 
matter, there is always a shadowy ending beyond the ending. Only be- 
cause men may not always begin, like our Knickerbocker, at the founda- 
tion of the world, is it that they get courage to break somewhere into tlie 
interlaced web of human histories, of hopes and fears, of successes and 
disappointments, of gettings and havings and spendingsand losings. Yet, 
break iu where they may, there is always just a little behind the begin- 
ning, something that needs to be told. " 

And thus it was after the re-election of Governor Tompkins, for the 
nobly re-instated Solomon Van Kensselaer in his old office of adjutant 
general, being as he well knew an honest man of elevated and untarnished 
character, and never did any odium fall on the whole State by reason of 
his personal misdoings. 

I have preferred, dear Ilattie, in compiling the narrative of the wa'r of 
Queenston, to give almost exclusively my honored father's own words, as 
every line written by him is precious to his children ; they could not be 
improved. These truths were like " household words." 1 could scarcely 
have recounted it dilforently ; they cannot be contravened, for we have 
all the requisite papers and letters in our possession to establish every 
word he uttered. He entered the army at an early age. bearing himself, 
as we are proud to know, in a manner worthy of his country and ancient 
lineage. In the last brilliant charge at the Miami, in 17U4, he contri- 
buted something to the success of our arms, and won for himself, the 
entire confidence and esteem of his military brethren. His conduct in 
the war of 1812, and the services which he rendered at that important 
and critical period in the memorable contest, are written in the history 
of the republic ; his abilities as a military leader, and his courage as a 
eoldier alike bore the scrutiny and secured for him the admiration of his 
countrymen. He retired from the service, disabled for labor ; and the 
seven wounds he bore charactered on his person while they told of the 
dangers through which he had passed in the service of his country, made 
sure also his incapacity for the active business of life; crippled his re- 
sources and left him a poor man in his declining years. The filial devotion 
of a daughter, that prompts this labor of love in portraying, even iu this 
cursory manner, the record of the brilliant military and civil services of 
one so eminently distinguished, as Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, requires 
no apology. 

"His military deeds, which he promptly and satisfactorily executed are 
part of the imperi.^^hable iuithentic register of the country he loved so well, 
served so long and defended so heroically." Those who knew him best, 
loved him most, for those noble qualities of head and heart, which conspic- 



310 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

uously marked- him in all his domestic relations : to his children, he was 
endeared by all the holiest and strongest affections of the human heart; 
his estimable private character and his worth as a man, they knew and 
appreciated. Our heroic Father's name stands second to none in self sacri- 
ficing true patriotism ; and in noble daring deeds, which gave additional 
lustre to the renown and glory of our Arms ; he was an illustrious scion 
of his most heroic Sil-e. His name will justly stand recorded on the pages 
of history as the virtuous, honorable, and valiant defender, or asserter of 
his country's rights; and posterity will read of his exploits with delight. 
And it is always well to remember that to transmit the honors of one age 
to another is our duty ; to neglect the merits of our fathers is a direful 
disgrace. Unfortunately, " the public good" required that this upright Fede- 
ralist should be sacrificed to the Democrats, being the dominant party of 
the dav, and to that party he became obnoxious because he defended those 
who were wronged, and consequently, justice has been measured out with 
but a meagre hand. And he found more than one barrier to the accom- 
plishment of his wishes, because he held in utter abhorrence the intrigues 
of democracy and the spirit of mob government. His own words are re- 
corded thus : " After the battle of Queeustown, General Dearborn, profess- 
ing to be satisfied and pleased with my conduct, told my friends General 
Lewis and Van Rensselaer, at Greenbush, that a separate corps would be 
organized for me, of wliich they informed me by letter while still confined 
with my wounds at Buffalo; but owing to the public defence, which as a 
man of honour, I found myself obliged to set up against the political attacks 
on the conduct and character of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who 
then was a candidate for the governorship against Governor Tompkins, I 
became obnoxious to the dominant party of the day, and the intention was 
never carried into effect. 

Dr Eustis, before he resigned as secretary at war, entered my name upon 
the list for the appointment of Brigadier General. He afterward told me, 
when in Congress together, that he was astonished that his successor 
General John Armstrong had not appointed me. 

The present venerable Mayor of Baltimore, General Samuel Smith and 
the Hon. D. R. Williams, chairman of Commitee on Military Affairs in 
Congress, called together of their own accord, upon the Secretary of War, 
to urge my appointment in the army. General Harrison, with whom I 
had served in General Wayne's army, also solicited my appointment, as 
his second in command in the northwestern army. It will be recollected 
that I never resigned my commission in the regular service, but lost it 
when the army was curtailed ; my claim to promotion, therefore, was valid 
still, whenever any aui^mentation took place. Beside this, the validity of 
such claims was admitted in the case of other officers of Wayne's array, 
and they were promoted accordingly. Harrison, who was a lieutenant 
when 1 commanded a troop, was commissioned a major-general ; Covington, 
a subaltern in ourcorps, a brigadier-general ; Ball, my cornet, a lieutenant 
colonel &c. &c. Yet, the above applications in my behalf — and they were 
certainly entitled to some consideration, on the score of the character of 
the applicants — were all superciliously denied, on the ground as alleged to 
Wilkinson and others — thai 1 was too unpopular to raise a corps. Where 
is the evidence of tjiis fact ? Was Gov. Tompkins, with whom, unfortunately, 
1 had been at political variance, aware of it when 1 accepted his invitation, 
as a member of liis own family, to assist him in defending the city of New 
\orkliomau expected invasion;' [As Adjutant General, Solomoo Van 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 311 

Rensselaer was superseded for a few months antecedent to and durin;; the 
hite Wur, but wlieu D. i). Touipkius. Ks(|r. reiisceinicd the guLeriiatorial 
chair, he was re-iustated in that ofiice.] Was it indicated in tlie rcMihuion 
unanimously passed by the council ot appointment, to confirm my brevet 
as Major General, in the militia of this state. 

Copy. 
" The commander in chief having raised by brevet Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer to the rank of major general in the militia of this state, on account of 
bis distinguished gallantry and public spirit in the military service ol" his 
country, and especially during the late war on the Niagara frontier, there- 
fore resolved, that the said Jirevet be confirmed, and that a couimi.>*8ion be 
issued to him as major-general accordingly, in the militia of this 8t;ite. 

Dewitt Clinton, (Jovernor. 
(Signed) Stephen B.arnum, ^ 

William Ross, Kf , „ 

George KosECRANTz, r^*^"^^'""'- 
Stephen Bates, J 

Qr was my election to congress by my neighbors, without opposition in 
one instance, and by a triumphant majority in another, any evidence of 
it? No, it only existed in the brain of a calumniator. 

General Armstrong was at that time governed by the basest of feel- 
ings and motives, and in the antipathies engendered in times long past, 
and by circumstances which should be forgotten, is to be found the whole 
secret of his present peculiar hostility, both to General Van Rensselaer 
and myself. 

When the much persecuted and unfortunate General Wilkinson was 
ordered by General Armstrong, then Secretary of War, from New Orleans 
to take command of the Northern army, he too urged my appointment 
but was refused. On liis arrival at Albany, however, he sent for )ue and 
wished me to accompany him to the frontiers. I replied that I would 
willingly do so, if 1 eveji thought he had the least chance to eff^ect any 
thing of consequence ; but knowing that the deficiency of almost every 
necessary article, and the want of a proper organization in any department, 
of the army, would prevent his descent upon Montreal that season I de- 
clined. When informed by me, of the state of his command, he could 
hardly credit it. for General Armstrong, in reply to written queries put to 
him on the subject, had stated everything to be in complete order; after 
he had visited his line of posts, however, he wrote me that things were 
not only as bad as I had represented, but mtich worse, it was a. "wretched 
state in which he found the army in all its departments." 

Col. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Wilkinson, 
^ly Dear Friend. Mount Hope 3rd October 1813. 

I received your very interesting letter .several days since, and I beg you 
will do me the justice to impute the «elay of my answer to the true cause. 
It is hard sitting in judgment when inclination and a sense of duty are 
opposing advocates ; it requires time, and mature deliberation. Rut I have 
made my decision ; and after tendering you the renewed assurances of my 
gratitude and respect for the repeated evidence of your friendship and 
honorable notice, 1 will state that decision, and the consiilerations which 
have contrained me to make it A Soldier's candor will pardon a Soldier's 



312 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

frankness. After the most charitable review I can make of the relative 
discharge of duties between myself and Country, I find insuperable bar- 
riers against resuming my sword. 

You Sir, know the general history of my life ; I will spare you the 
trouble of minute detail and only glance at prominent points. 

The sufi'erings endured by my Father from wounds received in the 
Revolutionary war, was one of the first serious subjects of my puerile con- 
temptation and why it should have been so. Nature alone must tell ; but 
the more I witnessed his sufi'erings, the more I became enamored of arms. 
As I advanced in years, the charms of a Military life brightened upon my 
view, and at 18 years of age, I resolved on the Profession of a Soldier, and 
entered upon it. In the School of the gallant Wa^ne and yourself 1 was 
happy. I found the camp was my home, my sword my companion, and 
my duty my pleasure ; particulars are unnecessary. At the close of that 
War, I was unfortunate and sufi'ered much ; but a consciousness that the 
Sword, bequeathed me by the brave Cavipbell vfas sheathed untarnished ; 
and that my Commissions which bore the sacred name of Washington had 
never been dishonored, bore me above all considerations of loss of property 
or blood. 

It is true, I received the necessary vouchers to entitle me to that re- 
muneration from my Country which, while disabled by wounds was very 
necessary for the support of myself and growing family. But, intending 
to devote my life to my Country, in my profession, I disdained to ask for 
the pittance allowed. I have not done it. I loved service, but hated 
the Pension List. I wished only the restoration of my Rank when my 
Country might call for service. I confess I thought I had a right to ex- 
pect it, but in vain. 

"The Administration have called to the field, and honored with Colonel's 
and even Brigadier's Commissions, men who were not in service, and some 
who only ranked as Subalterns in the Army, when I was a Major of Cav- 
alry ! In Silent mortification 1 witnessed the progress of events ; at last, 
under the impression that the Administration might still have supposed 
me incapacitated ior service by wounds, I took measures to have intimated 
to them both my ability and willingness to return to the Army. 

Th« result you know. I here too forbear particulars but too well cal- 
culated to add indignation to mortification. To have been long neglected 
was enough — but to be proscribed, and that too, at the instance of pri- 
vate pique, in men whose lives are but a tissue of baseness and intrigue is 
too much. Of the part 1 acted during the last Campaign in the capacity 
of Aid-de-Camp to Maj. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, sufiice it to say 
that I yielded pai tly to the earnest request of a friend, whose wishes with 
me, could have no less influence than legitimate command ; and partly to 
the universal solicitation of the Soldiery who had long known me as their 
friend in the capacity of Adjutant General. Of that Campaign I will only 
say that after all the shameful mismanagement of those whose imbecility 
attempted to direct its operations, it would have been closed with a splen- 
did victory had I not, in the hour of trial been deserted in the most das- 
tardly manner by wretches who had pledged every thing sacred to stand 
by uic while 1 was acting in obedience to their irresistible importunities 
to General Van Rensselaer. Indeed with the few brave lads who remained 
with me, I could have preserved the won victory but for the severe wounds 
which compelled me to quit the field. Although for the past year I 
have nursed my wounds in silence, yet I am assured through sources not 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



313 



to be questioned, that the claims to ray own rank in the Army have been 
ur^ed upon the Administration by influential men, without distinction of 
political parties, yet the decree of proscription remains unrescindcfl, al- 
though at the close of the late Session of Congress, the Senate was -'liter- 
ally burned up with nominations ! " This my dear Sir, is a compressed 
stateulent of my situation ; and the facts here stated, must I am persuaded, 
in your judgment justify the decision I have made. 

It cannot hardly be necesssary for me to add that self respect is the only 
solid base which can possibly support the respect of othei-s. A Hohlicr 
must he a Soldier^ or he is tw/hini/, whose character like the walls of a 
safe citadel must be defensible in every point ! a single vulnerable angle 
will destroy that proud Spirit of conscious worth, which is of the very 
essence of an officer, and which alone renders his character worthy of imi- 
tation. 

My brief application of these sentiments are, that such has been the 
treatment of the Administration towards me, that in their service I cannot 
respect myself. 

Therefore my dear old friend, I must once more beg you to accept my 
most cordial thanks for the very partial notice I have received from the 
Soldier whom the general voice of the United State's has now declared 
most competent to Command her Armies. 

That you may never have occasion to repine at the ingratitude of your 
Country, and that your Career may be honorable to the cud, is the fervent 
prayer of Your unalterable &c. Sincere Friend. 

• Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

P. S. why not pass Kingston, throw one or two light vessels of the fleet 
in a situation to prevent Sir (?(;or^f following you by water, descend the 
River and carry Montreal, my heart is with you. 

Major Genl, James Wikinson, Commander in Chief of the N. A. 

Gov. Tompkins to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, • Albany January 12, 1814. 

I have notified a meeting of the Council of appointment on Saturday 
the 22nd Instant for the purpose of enabling them, if they think projicr 
so to do, to make the Military Appointments which were omitted at their 
last Session It is therefore desirable that I should be furnished with the 
returns and other papers touching other military appointments which may 
be in your possession, in time to submit them to the Council on the before 
mentioned day. 

I am Sir, yours &c. 




z2ace£ 




''-PM/i^^z^ 




Solomon Van Rensselaer Esq. Adjutant General. 

General Hull was summoned to appear before a court martial convened 
at Albany, New York. "It met on the 3rd of January, 1814. General 

40 



314 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Dearborn was the president, and he was assisted by three brigadier gen- 
erals four colonels, and five lieutenant colonels. General Hull was 
charged with treason, cowardice, and neglect of duty and unofiicer like 
conduct. After a session of eighty days, the court decided on March 26th 
that lie was not guilty of treason, from the evidence brought forward, but 
found liini guilty of all the other charges. He was sentenced to be shot 
dead, and his name to be struck from the rolls of the army. The presi- 
dent of the United States approved the sentence on the 25th of April. The 
court recommended him to the mercy of Mr. Madison who pardoned him." 

Hon. John Lovett to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Colonel, ' Washington, 28th Jany., 1814. 

Don't chide my silence, I do declare to you I never was so wholly 
buried up as I am at present. I have to aid Harson all I can : there are 
a number of the first members in the minority who really seem to think 
much more of my poor services than I can possibly think they are worth. 
Never did you see a finer corps of fellows than our Minority, and the poor 
fellows are almost worried out. We are upon the Army Bill and pre- 
paration for a great campaign. Argument has for some days past assumed 
an almost unlimited range, and every one says pretty much what he 
pleases. The day before yesterday, Taylor, of Saratoga, attempted to 
prove the War in the State of New York vias popular, and he endeavored 
to prove it by the great partiality which had been manifested towards 
Gen. Van Rensselaer — yourself — and me. He noticed the manner in which 
the General was received on his return ; your appointment to the office of 
Adjutant General ; and my election to Congress, Clerk's office &c. This 
of course, drew collaterally the aflPair of Queenstown into debate. Taylor 
and Fisk slapped at it a little. You know I have for many reasons, been 
very desirous to keep silence on this subject. But the discussion now, 
assumed such shape that the duty I owed to the General, yourself and 
myself would no longer allow me to be silent. I refuted all Taylor's 
arguments, and then touched, not minutely, but pretty generally at the 
occurrences of the Campaign which could in any shape invade character. 
Upon this occasion I availed myself of the opportunity to say a few words 
of your history, merits, wrongs and suflferings. I perceived I was listened 
to with much attention both by the members and a vastly crowded gallery, 
I therefore ventured on a little further, and stated your removal by 
Tompkins; the deaf ear of the Administration to all applications for your 
appointment — pointed out the real cause. 

But I must close : you may rest assured that the General and his^zWs 
stand well on the floor ; and as I took the liberty of throwing out some 
pretty bold menaces of telling ugly tales, I think they will be willing to 
let us alone and respect us in future. 

Augustus Porter tells me his Account is settled ; he has had a §7000 
writ tucked on him here. 

I enclose you the Intelligencer — see the Generals and Colonels marked 
on the margin ; Also Armstrong's project for Conscription. 

Ever truly yours. 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer. John Lovett. 

Dear Colonel, 

1 have not a moment to spare, enclosed is a Skeleton of what was said. 
No one attempted a Reply. Suffice to say, our friends here, are not only 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 315 

satisfied, but (jratijied. They are pleased to say it was delivered in the 
spirit of a soldier. I hope I have said nothing which you or the General 
will disapprove. If auij;]it ai^reeable, use it as yuu please. In two days I 
hope to get the floor iu my own way ; not complete. 

Ever yours, undaunted, 
Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. Joiii^Lovett. 

Hon. John Lovett to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Colonel, Washington, Feb. 20, 1814. 

I have this moment received yours of the 13th. As our friemls here 
have expressed their high gratification at the matter and manner of the 
Re-fijhting of the Battle of Queenstown, I needed notlting more to put 
my heart at rest, on that subject, but the approbation of the " little Mili- 
tary Family." You give me that ; saying that " the mmibrrs of it, will 
on ALL occasions support each other, at every hazard, with truth and Jus- 
tice on their side." My heart responds, Amen, I am sati.sfiod. 

You express your solicitude lest my " Speech and strictures on the War 
may hriwj me into a scrape ;" and express an ardent desire to be with mo 
in such event. Thank ye ; In sucli event you shall be with me. Long 
ago I wrote our dear General that plunging in among a set of rap-scallions 
wearing long swords was a very pokerish kind of business ; but that)€n 
case of emergency my privilege would protect me until T could send for 
Solomon to do the fiijhtiw]. The truth is there is no milksop, middle 
course left for us; the rascals in power must be ousted, ousted, or we are 
undone. This is my sincere opinion, and under this conviction I think, 
speak and act. The Federalist that will not, now, keep the deck, or 
mount the maintop, to give or receive shot, as occasion may offer, is not 
worthy of his hammock onboard. I have been </trea/c?ie</, but, as yet, 
remain undisturbed. The truth is that what is here called " the Albany 
Quill" is somewhat dreaded. ^^ Inchcquin" has been slain, and some 
others, deservedly, (we wage no wanton war) been severely wounded. 
And, beini/ a companion of yours, they all think I may fight like a very 
devil ! In short I do not apprehend anything serious : should that happen 
you will know it of course. The nearest I have come to a s(iuabhle you 
may learn from a late letter I wrote the Mayor. I cap[.ed \ironfid<'Hti<d, 
but he will shew to you. You know little Brisban, of Batavia, and that 
cowhide heated Col. Thomas who was Dep. Q. Master at Buffalo. Thoma.s 
and his Agent, one Sim2)son, talked saucy, and did knock poor Bri.sban 
down : but they graciously spared me, and have fled, but I am pressing 
measures to have them brought back. 

Augustus and Peter Belligerent Porter, are here. Augustus is very 
civil — says Gen. Van Rensselaer is the only Commander who kept things 
in order upon the frontier. Peter B. I apprehend, keeps close. I have 
not seen him, he dreads such little papers as Augustus ha.s had put upon 
his shoulders since here. How they will come out I^ know not. I have 
just received a line from Gen. Huntington, he says:*" Who is the Hero 
of Widlamsack that dandled Solomon V. K. upon his wounded knees; I 
never understood that?" Never mind, thats easily explained — I in- 
tended to have transmitted you Morris S. Miller's speech upon that occa- 
sion. Southwick will show you a pamphlet, and some patriotic efforts I 
am trying to make in Kentucky — I .say, am for all, these fellows must 
give up the reigns to wisdom, or despotism will usurp them,— pull away 
and assert your creed thus expressed. 



316 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" Thy spirit, Independence, let me share. 
Lord of tlie Lion's heart, and Eagle eye, 
Thy steps I follow, with my bosom bare. 
Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky," 

Respects to the family and the Bethlehem Member of Assembly. 

• John Lovett. 

Dear Colonel, ^ ^ Washington Feb. 23, 1814. 

You know I have been laboring all winter to get the Administration 
and their Generals to play a game of Billiards, and to use Heads for Balls. 
I have no doubt Jhe game has commenced two hours ago, and that your 
old friend Wilkinson is the first ball played at; but whether with intent 
to pocket him or to play for a cannon at Armstrong and Hampton, I know 
not. But, as I have but one moment, figures must be dropt and I will 
Bpeak plain. I do not understand what it means, but an Express left 
here, two hours ago, to arrest G-eneral Wilkinson ! 1 do verily believe it ; 
I may be deceived, but I cannot believe I am. My Ariel who never has 
deceived me, assures me it is so. Tell our General what I say. 

11 oclock P. M. — My dear Colonel, In 7ny way I have a little game 
bl(M)d as well as you : You love powder, ball and steel : them 1 hate as 
poison ; but / love to play my pen, ink and paper battling with success. 
We both aim at the same victory. 

I dropped you a hasty line, to day, telling you what I believed : and 
late as the hour is, I will jog once more to the Post office to say that my 
opinion is every hour confirmed. Col. Hawkins has been with me this 
evening, he says I am right. A.nd, now, one word more : Hawkins has 
spent the winter here ; has generally, kept good Federal Company — wants 
to continue in service. He says General Armstrong will have not an offi- 
cer under him, but lick-spittles and toad-eaters. He quits here in- dis- 
gust — he has been much with Van Ness. I think Van Ness is disgusted 
too. I'll bring something out of ray " Strictures " yet ! One word more, 
for I grow sleepy: Hawkins is your great friend — he expects you are 
going to raise 4 Regiments of State Troops. He wishes you to Command 
them, and he wishes to serve under you — that's all. You have your cue. 
Can't /go Secretary, the old white Coat is good yet? 

Yours ever 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. John Lovett. 

John Lovett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Colonel, Washington, March 11, 1814. 

Should the State of New York raise the Four Regiments, I will never 
forgive it, if you arc not appointed to command them. 7am too old to 
go " Secretary" again, but I am authorized to promise you a much abler 
member in your military family, should you command that Division. You 
shall have, by your side, a scholar, a soldier, a statesman ; this I am fully 
authorized to promise you. The man will be Thomas P. Grosvenor — 
of this you may rest assured. 1^ you spend the ensuing season upon the 
frontiers, He will spend the Campaign in your family, you cannot wish 
more. I write this at his request. (This never will be allowed. Two 
such Blood-hounds should never be trusted together. I am well, and 
ever yours. 

Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. J. Lovett. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 817 

George M. Bihh to John J. Crittenden. 
Dear John, Washinjrton City, April 24, 1><14. 

The court-martial sentenced Hull to be riis/tiint/ and .^hot, but recoin- 
mended him to the mercy uf the President, [on account of his a-^'e and his 
revolutionary services,] who, I understand, intends to remit thu sentence 
of death. What weakness ! If cowardice such as Hull's, which surrendered 
a fortress, an army, a territory without firinj; a f^un, which surrender was 
followed by such loss of lives and treasure, is not punished with death, 
but pardoned by the commander-in-chief, what can we expect 'f No 
military officer hereafter can be punished by tlie loss of commission fur 
cowardice. A negotiation is going on between an agent on our part and 
General Prevost, for an armistice. Prevost is willing to an aruii.«tice un 
land; our government wishes it also by sea. The negotiation, may, per- 
haps, terminate in an armistice on the land, the lakes, and on our sea- 
coast, leaving our coast to be blockailed, and the war upon the ocean to 
progress, that is to say, that no expedition on land, nor any enterprise 
against towns or forts, shall be attempted, such an armistice to be con- 
tinued for a limited time, or until our negotiations at CJottenburg arc broken 
off, or until either party shall give reasonable notice that it shall cease. 1 
«peak of the probable issue from wliat our government would agree to, 
and what it may well be supposed the l^ritish government would not a<:free 
to. The maritime superiority of Great Hritain she will not yield by an 
armistice. Your friend, as ever, 

Hon. J, J. Crittenden. George M. IJinu. 

Lt. Col. Jno. R. Fenwick to Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Colonel, New York May 9, 1814. 

It would appear that the man, who draws his Sword for the I)efence of 
his Country's honor and welfare is doomed to Suffer in Hody, Mind and 
Fortune. I can Smile at Pain, created in the path of Glory, I .sought it, 
'twas my duty. I can submit without murmur to the Severe Decrees of 
Justice, but I abhor Villainy, and Persecution. The Miscreants who 
during our Western Campaign, in vain sat their Snares to entrap me, pur- 
sue me now even to the threshold of power ; and under th' base Influence 
of their Avarice are determiued, since they cannot assail my Heputation, 
to attempt my Ruin by filching me of my property, to pay for that, which 
they never owned, and if they did, I had never injured. Secretly, hut 
audaciously they declare, that 1 ordered their Salt taken pos.sc.^sion of, to 
erect that Battery, which as you know not only saved Niagara, but pro- 
duced the Destruction of Fort George, that my holding possession of this 
Salt, produced to Mr. Augustus 13. Porter a Loss of 14U0 Dollars. Thus 
does this Man insidiously make a Declaration to the Department of War, 
which he found he could not substantiate in a Court of Ju.stice. You so 
closely connected with Gen. Van Kensselaer during his Command, must 
bear in mind all the Circumstances which relate to this Case. You will 
therefore confer on me an obligation by stating to me all you know con- 
cerning the Salt of which so much has been said with so little truth, from 
the hour which Porter lays his Claim to oUO Barrels must have been put 
in duress — thus these people impose upon honest Folks I 

Have you lately heard from our old friend Wilkinson ? Pray write to 
me soon. I beg you to accept the assurance of my Sincere Esteem and 
llegard. JouN It. Fenwick. 

Col. Solomon Van Kensselaer, Albany. 



318 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" General Wilkinson, by an order from the War Department, on March 
24 1814, was relieved of the command of the army in the Department of 
the North, and his conduct while in command of that district was subse- 
quently committed to the securing of a court martial. He proved that 
duriu"- the most important operations of the disastrous campaign, which 
ended at French Mills, the War Department, in the person of Minister 
Armstrong, was on the Northern frontier, and that he acted under the 
secretary's immediate instructions. These proofs being positive, Wilkinson 
was acquitted, and the public placed the chief blame, where it seemed to 
properly belong, on the War Department. Like Harrison, who had felt 
the baneful effects of the administration of that department, Wilkinson 
threw up his commission in disgust," General John Armstrong was 
called, in an evil hour, to assist in the administration of the government, 
during the arduous and eventful period of our second war with Great 
Britain. As the head of the war department, he had it in his power to 
perpetrate the most extensive mischief, not only by his want of capacity, 
but in the indulgence of an unhappy, restless, and malignant temper ; a 
power which he did not spare to use, at first to the oppression of all in- 
dividuals whom he honored with his enmity, and finally to the disgrace 
and degradation of his country. His interference with the plans of General. 
Wilkinson may serve as a commentary on this text. 

General Wilkinson wished to attack Kingston, and there rest for the 
winter in good quarters, to organize the different departments of the army, 
build boats, &c., and carry Montreal early in the spring. This delay could 
not operate against us ; as the St, Lawrence opens between the two places 
before it does below, the attack could have been made before any reinforce- 
ments could arrive from Europe. If Gen. Wilkinson had been suffered 
to take his course the ]5ritish fleet at Kingston would have fallen into his 
hands, and the millions of dollars afterwards expended in ship building 
for the two lakes would been saved the country; but the secretary was 
on the spot and manccuvered to defeat his plain. It was said he had an 
eye on the presidency, and if Montreal could be taken that season, it 
would facilitate his object, for if successful he would have assumed all the 
credit; as it was, he managed to avoid the responsibility by throwing all 
the blame on poor Wilkinson. 

Our country was fated to purchase its release from the hand of this 
functionary, at no less' a sacrifice than the overthrow and sacking of the 
natipual capital, by a feeble and insulting foe. Here justice did overtake 
him ; and, finding that no artifice could suffice to enable him to throw ofi" 
the just responsibilities of the position he had occupied, he passed into 
retirement. Theaflair at Bladensburgh, August 24, 1814, occurred under 
General Armstrong's own immediate supervision as secretary of war. 

In this case, all hough an attack had been long apprehended, a much 
larger force, it is true, than absolutely required for the purpose of repelling 
it, was collected, but no organization or system of defense having been 
arranged, our army, composed of the regular cavalry, artillery, infantry, 
and a large body of militia, were disgracefully routed without a show of 
fight, except from the gallant Commodore Joshua Barney, by compara- 
tively a handful of British troops, who were exhausted by the fatigue of a 
limg forced march. Near three weeks before the attack was made upon 
AVashington, 1 received a letter from an officer of high rank in the army, 
who writes, '• such is the want of preparation for defense at this place, 
that three thousand men can destroy it." Can it be supposed for a moment 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 319 

that if Gen. Arinstronfr, tlie dispenser then of honors an.l promotions in 
the army, had identified liimself with our troops, tliey would liavc re- 
treated on the approach of the enemy 't No never 1 yet he was ammii: the 
first to set the cowardly example. If a more manly course had been 
pursued, thou<ih driven from the first stand, the road passinj; over a rolling; 
country skirted by woods, afi'orded uiany positions, equally as strong an<l 
as admirably calculated for the most effective disposition of the different 
kinds of troops employed, and they mii,'ht have fallen back froui one 
position to another with equal advantaj^e and have harras.>;ed even a larj^er 
force of the enemy, so that they never could have reached Washin^'ton. 
But had every eflort under this course failed, a few hundred men thrown 
into the capitol, would have saved the city. The six pounders used by 
the enemy, could have made no impression upon the walls of this buildin;^ 
while a brisk fire from its windows and iVom the stone parapet surround- 
ing its roof, would effectually have arrested their progress. The same 
defenses might have been made at the president's house, flanked as it was 
by the state and treasury offices on the right, and by the war and navy 
on the left. The navy-yard was equally susceptible of defense. 

The official report of Major-general llo.ss, the British commander, says : 
" The enemv's army, amounting to eight or nine thousand men, with three 
or four hundred cavalry, was under the command of General WiniJer, 
being formed of troops drawn from Baltimore and I'enn.sylvania. His artil- 
lery, ten pieces of which fell into our hands, was commnndud by Commodore 
Barney, who was wounded and taken prisoner. The artillery I directed 
to be destroyed. Having halted the army for a short time, 1 deteruiined 
to march upon Washington, and reached that city at eight o'clock that 
night. Judging it of consequence to complete the destruction of the pub- 
lic buildings with the least possible delay, so that the army might retire 
without loss of time, the following buildings were set fire to and consumed. 
The Capitol, including the Senate House and House of Representatives, 
the Arsenal, the Dock-yard, Treasury, War-Office, President's Palace, 
Hope-walk, and the great Bridge across the Potowmack : in the dock-yard, a 
frigate nearly ready to be launched, and a sloop of war, were consumed." 
The British destroyed the " barracks for almost three thou.sand troops, 
and performed deeds worthy of barbarians; after remaining till the ex- 
tent of devastation was sufficient to satiate even their vandalism, in their 
own time returned unmolested to their shipping." 

Jolui Lovett to Solomon Van Rensselaer . 
My Dear Colonel, Washington Nov. 12, 1814. 

I noticed certain great Militari/ Characters, last winter — bear them the 
same respect still. Have commenced, freely, with Majority/ men, on that 
especial subject. Just parted at this late hour, 11 o'clock J^aturday night. 
Suppose, on Monday next, a motion to dismiss from service Generals 
Dearborn, Wilkinson and Lkwis itc. &c. ! ! ha, ha; what then! If /am 
not deceived, i/uu will not be on Monday next. I try to do all the (/uod 
I can. You know enough of all these wretched leeches — Adieu. 

I want poor Brock's Seal — my Son has it. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Adjutant General. JoON LoVETT. 

"The invasion which resulted in the capture of Washington city, the 
destruction of its public buldings and navy yard, the surrender and jdun- 
der of Alexandria was simply barbarous, and caused the profound regret 
and humiliatiou of the American people. The slight resistance offered 



320 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

lo the invaders during their operations in the space of twelve days 
excited <,aeat surprise, alarm and indignation. The national honor re- 
quired an investigation, and early in the next session of congress a com- 
mittee fur that purpose was appointed by the house of representatives. 
Their report exculpated the president and General Winder, but left con- 
gress and the people to form their own judgment from the facts pre- 
sented. 

The extent of devastation practiced by the ungenerous victors brought 
a heavy censure upon the British character, not only in America, but ont 
the Continent of Europe, it was condemned in unmeasured terms," 

Intelligence of the capture of Washington city, reached New York on 
the 28th of August, three days after that sad occurrence. The zeal and pat- 
riotism of the citizens were increased thereby. In General Orders, Dan- 
iel D. Tompkins, governor of the state of New York, who had been un- 
tiring in his exertions for the public good, called on the inhabitants to 
send arms of every description to the State Arsenal, where all fit for ser- 
vice would be paid for. The call was promptly answered. New York was 
likewise fearfully excited by apprehensions of danger during the summer 
and autumn of 1814. The mayor of the city, De Witt Clinton, issued a 
stirring address to the people. He recomended the militia to hold them- 
selves in readiness for duty, and called upon the citizens to offer their 
personal services and means cheerfully to the United States officers in 
command there, to aid in the completion of the unfinished fortification 
around the city. 
* Colonel Van Rensselaer was still suffering from his severe wounds, and 

had only been able to leave off using crutches a short time previous. He was 
not, however, placed in battle array against the enemy again at this place, 
as the expected invasion was not attempted, he therefore returned this 
time without any additional scars to his family. At the close of 181-4 
active war had ceased at the North but now its chief theatre of operations 
was in Louisiana and on the ocean. On the 11th of September, Sir 
George Prevost with an army of fourteen thousand men, made a descent 
upon Plattsburg and after a severe engagment was compelled to retire 
with great loss. The British fleet, under Commodore Dowuie, was capt- 
tured by Commodore Macdonough, on the same day. The war was ter- 
minated by the treaty of Ghent, signed by the commissioners of both 
countries, December 24th, 1814. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer to Ids Wife. 
y My dear Harriet, New York, 14th November 18f?'4. 

^_ The Governor is in his new quarters with all his suit ; we have an elegant 

establishment; live in perfect harmony, and in style; much to do and 
attend strictly to all duties. " Poney " as you call him, got down safe, but 
was eight days on board in all that storm : he is the finest horse here, and 
much admired, as well as his rider! I wish our poor little Mag's broken 
arm was well, kiss her for me. If there is no attack on this place this 
fall, (and none is expected) I shall be with you in a few weeks when the 
Governor will return to Albany. The Militia are sickly, and heartily tired 
of a military life, desertions are frequent and furloughs asked for by doz- 
ens every day. We have visited the fortifications at the Hook, Narrows, 
this Island and on the 3rd while on this duty on Long Island the Gover- 
nor's horse lell with him in the ditch of Fort Greene a bight of ten feet, . 
without much injury. He dislocated his thumb and otherwise is a little 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 321 

bruised, but not so much as to prevent him from attendinf^ to duty, but 
he made a very narrow escape. He treats me very civilly, and insisted that 
I should take up my quarters with him, which I did on the 5th when ho 
began to keep house; my horse too is to share with his, free of cx{)eu.se; 
he is entitled to keep sixteen, and intends to have only two ; so you seo 
mine will be at the public expense and the furaLre 1 am entitled to. All 
my time is taken up in my profession. I act as. .l/r/ and not aa Adjutant 
General. All express their satisfaction at my being here, and much con- 
fidence is placed in me by the Inhabitants. On the Gth I dined with 
the Recorder Hoifman \frith a large party. On the 5th with King the 
Son-in-Lawof Mr. Kay and on the 7th with Col. Colden (Cadwallader D.) 
In short, calls and cards in a\)undance, I must see so much company that 
I have laid down certain rules from which I shall not depart, so fear noth- 
ing my love. 

Genl. Giles of this City, together with those I mentioned in my former 
letter to you : Charles King, son of my friend llufus King, and many 
others of the first blood in the Country wish for Regiments on conditiun 
that I command their Brigade. I have not asked for any thing and I am 
determined not to do so, if it is oS'ered and I can retain my office of Ad- 
jutant General, I shall accept. The last from the conduct of Democrats 
towards me, will be safe at all events. I am as civil as they are. Lewis 
has gone to Washington to beg to be retained. Last night we returned 
, from again visiting the Troops and Fortifications on Long Island and the 
Narrows, a tour of three days I spent very pleasantly ; in which time wo 
reviewed three Brigades ; and were received at the different posts with a 
tremendous roar of cannon. The review of General Boyd's Brigade of 
Regulars was very splendid, the troops performed well and looked like 
Soldiers. On those occasions I am the right hand man of the Governor, 
who from my usefulness to him, grows daily more and more attached to 
me. I received a letter from General AVilkinson, he is again at Wash- 
ington, and insists on his trial, which will take place the ensuing winter 
at Utica on account of the witnesses being at the North. Wilkinson is in 
favor at Washington, and he will disgrace Armstrong more than he already 
is. I receive letters very frequently from Lovett ; they are as much pleased 
there at my being in Service, as they are here. Next week, on the 25th 
will be a splendid day for New York, the celebration of the Evacuation of 
this City by the British in the last war. I intend to send for Rensselaer 
from School and gratify him with the sight, his best clothes you can let 
John Berry bring down here. We are just now going out to review the 
Troops. On the 9th we visited the Forts in the Harbor, a grand Salute 
was fired from each (3 in number). Our Horses are at the door. Adieu 
my Harriot, kiss our children and love to all. 

Yours truly, 

Mrs. Van Rensselaer, Albany. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to Ins Wife. 

New York, 30th November, li!14. 

Yesterday my dear Harriot, Rensselaer left in the Steam BOat for 

I Poughkeepsie, he took leave of the Governor, &c., like a man, much 

satisfied with what he hud seen, and left this determined to attend closely 

to his studies, and has already progressed considerably in the French. 

The Governor and all in this house were much pleased with him, he is a 

41 



322 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, 

fine boy. Eensselaer arrived here on the 24th and was delighted with 
the Parade, he staid with us at Head quarters and on the 26th went down 
with the Governor and his son (who are very civil to him) to Staten 
Island to see the fortifications ; and I took him to see every thing worth 
eeein"- on his return. On the 25th we had a splendid day ; ten thousand 
troops were under arms, marched through the City and were reviewed by 
the Governor, after which we dined in the City Hall by invitation from 
the Corporation. I wrote you that in two or three weeks the Militia 
would be discharged all idea of an attack from the enemy being given up ; 
after which Governor Tompkins would return to Albany, and I should be 
made once more happy in the bosom of my Harriet and our little ones. 
You know I delight in a Military life, but never can I be at ease without 
you — my Wife and my Sword must go hand in hand. Tompkins is friendly 
and sociable as ever, and although our separation is painful, much good 
will come out of it I am sure. As the Militia are now all discharged ; I 
asked permission, last night of the Governor to return home on Saturday, 
on the ground that there was now not much to do. He told me if I had 
business of Importance to attend to, he had no objections, but he preferred 
that I should stay until the following Saturday. He wished to consult as 
to future operations after his dinner parties, (which are now three times 
a week) were over, and then we would go together. I of course acquiesced 
as he is every thing to me I could wish, and as the chain between him 
and Ti/hurn is broke, I am certain he will act a manly aad Independent 
part. 

Yesterday about twenty-two officers dined with us. Armstrong was 
one of the party. I designedly was the last in the room, and entered it 
after most of the Company had taken their seats in Military order to see 
if my place at the Head of the table was kept vacant. The moment I 
entered the Governor asked me to tike the head of the table. I had him 
and Armstrong on my right; the latter old rascal and others stared, and 
all who knew how I had been treated by him, were gratified. Our horses 
I fear will have a bad time of it in this storm; let me know when they 
reach you; and I will thank you to let some one ride my horse morn- 
ing and evening about the hill in view of the house, for I fear he will be 
stiff. Let them lead him out of the back stable door, as he may get injured 
in front, as it is high from the ground. Give directions that my horse is 
not brought out of the stable to water until my return as he is fond of 
play he may get hurt; let them carry water to him and they must not 
give him too much grain. This day J. R. V. Rensselaer and myself 
dined at Mr. Coles, and I have invitations for every day in the week when 
the Governor has no company. All this would be pleasant if you were 
only with me ; if I return in the Spring you must break up housekeeping, 
then you and the two girls accompany me and the rest go to school. Tell 
Mag I have her Doll and other pretty things for her ; how happy I am to 
find by your letter that her broken arm is mending ; kiss the dear children 
for me. Adieu for a few days longer — truly yours 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 323 



CHAPTER XV. 
Honors to Maj, Gen. Richard Montgomery. 

lion. John Lovett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Colonel, Washington Feb. 11, 1815. 

You are darting about the world so that I know not where to aim at 
you — and now, I have not even leisure to " take aim." You know our 
General always told us to write " short letters." I must now obey. The 
glorious news from New Orleans has thrown all into bustle here. The 
Jiritish defeated, slaughtered, vanquished, disgraced, have abandoned tlu-ir 
enterprise — gone — gone ! Oh that j/ou only could have been with Jack- 
son ! But, I can only say a word — see particulars in a hand-bill to Gov. 
Tompkins, the only one I could get. 

Military Committee in a squabble — we are noticing instances oi merit. 
Once I had given up — hopeless, this morning I rallied again, 1 may be 
vanquished again, but, if I don't get you a Sword I shall be (juite dis- 
appointed. As for myself, I ask for nothing but a Pair of Ears ! 

Harrison is before the house, for honour. Yoxi need not be at i^\ con- 
cerned, you stood as you ought. Before the Committee — the great 
question has been, whether we should notice any officer concerned in any 
affair not crowned with complete success ! This monstrous position wa.s 
once agreed to — I have this day reversed it — at least I think so. At all 
events you will stand with Honour. I think also with a Sword of your 
Country. I promise nothinij ; therefore don't be disappointed at aui/thini/. 
Albany, I presume, is all buzz. I pray God the bread of j/uur children may 
not be taken; as for mine I have not a word to say. Conscious of faith- 
fulness to all I stand prepared for my fate. I cannot heihje, I must live 
or die honorably. Dij I can, as you know, with wife and eight on my 
back ; beg I cant. Bank passed Senate to day, Majority two ! It mai/ 
pass our house — what then ? In very great haste — ever yours, 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. J. Lovett. 

Hon. John Lovett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Colonel, Washington, 20th February, 1815. 

^ You must pardon my seeming neglect of you. Although I am as silent 
here as a seamstress, I am by no means idle ; and since our glorious change 
of prospects we have all to work double tides at the heel of the Session, 
instantly to place the N^ation in the best possible situation to make the 
most of our happy change of circumstances. To accomplish this great 
object, every committee is pulling with their best oars; and, happy for 
the country, I believe wc are pulling with zealous and hearty unanimity ; 
at any rate I can assure you this is the case in Military Committee, we 
meet morning and evening and work like brothers. You will readily 
perceive that the duties of this committee, are of a most extensive and im- 
portant character — immediately important to 40,000 individuals, Jiiid ul- 
timately so as connected with all those deep interests involved in the 
Military Peace Establishment of our Country. I'art of the Army is to be 
disbanded, and satisfactory provision made for tbcui — the establishment 
to be kept up, must be effectually organized &.c. 



324 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 





John Lovett. 



An important duty remains also to be performed to memories of the 
o-allant dead, and to the hviiig who have distinguished themselves. This 
fs a most delicate and trying task — we know we cannot do justice : but 

we must do as well as we can. 
Upon this subject we have already 
^^ X submitted some resolutions to the 

/ ^ house ; tomorromwe shall submit 

\ more. Suffice it for ^ort to know 

a. that your name will appear at the 
head of a catalogue in which the 
names of Gibson — Wood — Fen- 
loick — Montijoviery &c. will fol- 
low. What will be the disposi- 
tion of the house, remains to be 
seen — it is happy for me that in 
committee there is no diversity of 
sentiment respecting my friend. 
One thing I venture to assure 
you, you will go out of the house 
as you go in : with HONOR ; but, 
whether with, or without a Sword 
I can't predict. Nor is it of first 
importance ; you know that /made 
a most excellent officer WITHOUT a 
sword. To be sure the British 
Flag Officers used to stare a little, 
and I (in my sleeve) laughed a little ; but I did my duty, that was enough. 
As to the compensation to be made to that party of the army which will be 
disbanded ; and the numerical force of our peace establishment, there are 
many various and conflicting opinions. Some most extravagant ones have 
been submitted, one of these proposes 40 skeleton regiments of Infantry, 
and of Artillery one! Fine apportionment for Garrison duty. 

On these several subjects I can only give you a sketch of what has just 
been unanimously agreed' upon in our committee, this evening, and we 
shall report a Bill, subject to amendments in the house as usual. To the 
part of the army to be disbanded immediatclt/, we give three months Pay. 
Their grants of Land in the following proportion : To all those Officers 
who have been six months in service (you know many have been appointed 
within that period) we give : Major Gens. 2560 Acres. Brig. Genls. 
1920 Acres. Cols, and Lieut. Cols. 1280 Aftres. Majors 960 Acres. 
(While this subject was under discussion, I could have wished you in the 
corner. Depend upon it, all parties think alike of some Old- Fudges?) 
Captains 640 Acres. Lieuts. and Ens. 480 Acres. Privates 320 Acres. 
You sec we have not preserved the relative proportions either to rank or 
pay ; we could not. The fact is the enormous bounty given to our soldiers 
destroys, of necessity, all just proportion ; for had we undertaken to carry 
the thing out per scale, we must have purchased the JiJoon and, for aught 
I know, even Mercury to have made out premises. I confess I think the 
latter ])lanet would afford excellent location for soldiers. Indeed I think 
yoMr-sf//" would mightily enjoy a snug Manor, and a Mount Hope farm up 
there. 

The Committee propose to continue the Military Peace Establishment at 
10,000, leaving it to the Secretary of War to say how it shall be apportioned. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 325 

Thus much, luy dear Sir, for the MiHtart/ ; and this is ahout all I con 
write to you about ; for in the remaining scrap of the eveuinf:, I have to 
write to half a dozen more, upon subjects just as different as (hrir h»Lbi,g 
are from i/onr IJobhies. I have just had my srcund cruel tax to tbeir 
epidemic sore throat, it is a horrid disorder I have barely been able to 
keep my seat for some days — indeed, I never yet quit it a iimjlt: diuj 
since I was honored with.it. I am now nearly well. 

My honored old Father has sent me his commnnds to return by Con- 
necticut, but I think I'll be with you about the 12th March. Whether 
with or withmit my Head, time must decide. I've done my duty ; that's 
eno' for An old Soldier. In haste — ever vours, 

•' ' John Lovett. 

Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, Adjutant General. 

Hon. Jolin Lovett to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Colonel, Washington Feb. 22d, 1815. 

Here we have ye all, JTeroes, huddled up like so many llabbits in a 
market basket. Don't be elated any of you, lor I think it moat lihl;/ that 
we llepresentatives of the Suverrl<jn People will shake ye all to the wind 
yet. Probably my friend will hang in the basket at least as long as any 
of his class, xit any rate no one will have more friends to help him hold on. 

Among others, John Lovett. 

Resolutions expressive of the sense entertained by Congress of the Gal- 
lantry and Good Conduct with which the Reputation of the Arms of the 
United States has been sustained during the Late War by Certain Officers 
therein named. February 21, 1815. Read the first and second time and 
• committed to a committee of the whole house. The Fourth Resolution 
reads thus : 

Eesolvcd, That congress entertain a high sense of the gallantry with 
which the reputation of the arms of the United States has been sustained, 
in various combats, during the late war, by colonel Van Ren.sselaer, 
colonel Fenwick, colonel Newman, colonel Reed, lieutenant colonel 
Appling, lieutenant colonel Mitchell, colonel Williams and captain Z. 
Taylor; and that the president of the United States be requested to cause 
an elegant sword to be presented to each of the aforesaid otficers.' 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, New York, October 17, 1815. 

I wrote to you from Claverach on the 4:th, I wished to have seen you 
when I was at Albany a few days before, and expected to have had that 
pleasure at dinner at Mr. Abraham V. Vechtens. I wanted to have said 
a few words to you in relation to a cerUiin quistion which is again pressed 
upon me with renewed earnestness and zeal. 1 am urged to consent to a 
measure which 1 know will ruin me if it succeeds, and I am told the 
party will be ruined if I don't consent. I take it for granted'! shall be 
compelled to yield contrary to my wishes — my feelings — my interest — 
and my judgment. x\s you are among the earliest of my friends, as well as 
of the number who have never wavered in this attachment or confidence, 
I think it due to you to make this communication. It is at the same time 
expedient that nothing should be said about it as coming from me. 

Your letter was handed to me in the City this morning. As far as I 

' The " elegant sword," however, was never presented to Col. Van Renssolacr. 



326 * Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

can contribute to get patronage for Wilkinson's work,' I will do if — my 
eflforts will be circumscribed bowever, for reasons wbich I will detail wben 
I see you. The course 1 am to pursue in relation to the next Election, 
will be decided in a few days here. I think from present appearances, it 
is after all, not improbable that I shall be let oflF. You may rely upon it, 
that W — s views in relation to the Presidential question are wholly incor- 
rect and his plans completely impracticable. . We never can support 
Tompkins and as for Clinton he is so perfectly torpid that nothing can be 
done by or for him. I would prefer Monroe to Tompkins. Wilkinson is 
a better Soldier than Politician. His plans are visionary you may rely 
upon it. I enclose his letter which is a very interesting one. 

Yours very sincerely, in great haste. 

W. W. Van Ness. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjutant Greneral, Albany. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

My Dear Friend, New York Feb. 18, 1816. 

I owe you an apology for not sooner answering your letter. I assure 
you it was not from want of attachment. You will believe me when I 
assure you, that next to my own family you are most dear to me. I have 
been engaged in a round of company, and part of the time the children 
have been indisposed with severe colds. Nothing would give me greater 
pleasure than to see you rewarded by our Country, for your services, at 
least our Country ought to take the lead in placing you in Congress or 
the Legislature as you may select. I have long since determined to retire, 
at least for the present from the bustle of public life. I return Wilkin- 
son's letter — I hope he will give an impartial account of our afiFair and I 
do not fear the investigation either as it respects courage or conduct. I 
am conscious of our having acted from the best of motives and feel proud 
that our enemies cannot attach any disgrace on either of us notwithstand- 
ing their endeavours. I am happy to hear that Rensselaer improves — 
keep him to his studies. I want him to have a regular education. Re- 
member me to your good wife and daughters and believe me 

Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, ) Yours truly 

Ad. General, Albany. ) S. V. Rensselaer. 

Henry K. V Rensselaer, B. O. 
Died — This morning — Monday, Sept. 9, 1816. General Henry K. 
Van Rensselaer, in the 73d year of his age. His friends and acquaint- 
ance, are recjuested to attend his funeral, tomorrow afternoon, at 3 oclock, 
from his late residence. 

On Tuesday the 10th, his funeral solemnities were attended, by a large 
concourse of citizens, and by a masonic and military procession in the 
following order: 

Capt. Olmsted's City Guards, 

Capt. Judson's Volunteer Infantry 

Capt. Stilwell's Artillery 

Under the command of Capt. Ira Jenkins, and Adjutant Gilbert, 

and accompanied by the Albany Band of Music 

with drums muffled, &c. 



' Th(^^ '* MfiiiDirrt of My Own Times by Gen. James Wilkiusou," were published 
in lyiO, the uext year. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 327 

Albany Military Association in full uniform 
Masonic Procession 
Consisting of Masters, Temple and Mount Vernon Lodj^es. 
The Tail supported by eight officers of the 
War of Independence, Viz : 
John Lansing Junr, . Matthew Trotter, 

Stephen Lush, g^ Isaac Bogart, 

Daniel Ilalc, § Matthew Gregory, 

John H. Wendell, ^ S. W. Johnson. 

Gen. Van Rensselakr's House, 
Suitably couiparisoned, and led by two servants dressed 
in mourning with white turbans. 
Mourners. — Clergy. — Physicians. — Citizens. 

After a solemn and eloquent prayer by the Rev. Dr. Bradford, the pro- 
cession moved from the house of Adjutant General Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer, son of the deceased, in North Pearl street, through South Pearl 
street, to Cherry Hill, the family seat, at the distance of a mile from the 
city, the Bands playing a solemn dirge, and the artillery discharging 
minute guns, until the body was deposited in the family burying place, 
when the usual masonic solemnities were performed by Isaac Hempstead, 
Master of Master's Lodge, and the ceremonies were closed by the firing 
of vollies, by the Military over the grave. 

The scene was throughout solemn and impressive. The ceremonies were 
conducted with great order and decorum — the military arrangement.s, 
though made on short notice, were executed in a very handsome manner 
under the superintendence of Col. Sebastian Visscher, and were much ad- 
mired and applauded by the very great concourse of persons who were 
present to pay the last tribute of respect to an old friend, neighbor and 
revolutionary Soldier. 

General Van Rensselaer went early into the Army during the War of 
Independence, and was very much distinguished for his bravery and good 
conduct, conduct which secured him the esteem, and respect of his fellow 
Officers, aud particularly of the Commander In Chief. He was in several 
engagements, during which he uniformly discovered the greatest coolness 
and courage. In July 1777 he was attacked by a large body of the Kneuiy, at 
Fort Ann, but with a very unequal force he resisted them with great obsti- 
nacy and success until he learned that Ticonderoga had been abandoned by 
our troops, when he brought his men off. 

On that occasion he received a wound from a musket shot, the effects of 
which he severely felt throughout the remainder of his life. The ball en- 
tered his thigh, broke the bone, passed by and lodged in the upper part 
of the limb. The wound caused him a great deal of pain and distress for 
many years. The ball was never extracted until since his death, when it 
was taken out by Dr. William Bay, of this City, after having been carried by 
the deceased upwards of thirty-nine years. />jj//-ofthemenof Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer's own regiment-who carried him on their shoulders, after he was 
wounded, the distance of fifteen miles, officiated as pall bearers at his funeral. 
[General Van Rensselaer's widow Mrs. Nancy G. Van Rens.'^elaer celebrated 
her ninety-ninth birth day on the 25th day of October 1874, at her son's 
residence in Randolph, N. Y. and expresses her belief thatshe will live to see 
her centennial birth day and meet five generations at this grand reunion 
Oct. 25, 1875.] 



328 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Oen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, New York Nov. 22d, 1816. 

Your letter and the enclosed General Order was received. Will you 
have the goodness to ask Sutherland to issue a Division Order respecting 
the Uniform. [Under new General Orders.] I have determined to adopt 
the Uniform of the United States as the most plain and less expensive 
than the present fashion. Perhaps you had better give him a draft in 
the regulations for the several departments of the Army of the U. States, 
the uniform is minutely described.' 1 agree with you that we have no 
choice between the contending parties farther than the promotion of the 
public good may demand when we are called to act. Let me hear from 
you often, I will send Wilkinson's letter. Your friend 

Adjt. General Van Rensselaer, Albany. S. V. ReNsselaer. 

General Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Staatsburg Nov. 17, 1817. 

I have been rather dilatory in performing my promise, though I hope 
the inclosed will reach you in time for your purpose. I wish you a success- 
ful result to your Application, and that your allowance may be adequate 
to your merits. Present my best respects to your Wife and family, to 
whom also Mrs. Lewis sends her love. Your friend, 



^^^(^^rY 




Adjt. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. 

Qov. Clinton to Oen. Talmadge. 
Dear Sir, Albany 29 Nov. 1817. 

No man in this State has a deeper hold on the public sympathies for 
his suflferings by wounds received in 1794 and in 1812 than the present 
Adjt. Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, and no man is better entitled to a 
liberal compensation from the National Government. His case will be 
laid before the President, and his remuneration ought not only to be liberal, 
but retrospective. Let me solicit the earnest interposition of you and your 
Colleagues in his behalf. I am yours with great regard, 

DeVVitt Clinton. 

Major General James Talmadge, M. C. Washington. 

Rufus King to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Senate Chamber, Mar. 17, 1818. 

I may have omitted, but I think I did not, to acknowledge the receipt of 
your Communication of the 18 of feby, it come to hand in due course, and 
is in the possession of a Com"<^ of the H. R. which, as I have been encour- 
aged to hope will report a Bill in your Favor. 

I beg you to be persuaded my dear Sir, that your friends here, and they 
are many, are doing what they are able to accomplish your very just Expect- 
ations. Very faithfully and respectfully Yr. ob. Servant, 

Col S. Van Rensselaer. Rufus King. 



Thu unilomi of the Division of Cavalry bv aGciuTal Order of the 6th November 
181(j of the late Commander in Chief ((iov."T()mi)kins) was left by Gov. Clinton 
to hp fixed by Ma^or (Jen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 329 

April 11, 1818. Since the determination of the friends of the Adju- 
tant General, — Solomon Van Rensselaer, — to elect this geutloraan a repre- 
Bentative to Congress has been mentioned, and particularly since his nomi- 
nation by the County Convention, we have hoard many doubts 8Ug<^ested 
whether it would be either prudent or expedient for him to jeopardize 
the office which he now fills with so much credit to himself, and honor 
and advantage to the state, by accepting another which cannot be a source 
of profit. If there is a man in the Republic who has claims upon the 
gratitude and support of his country, that man is Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer. But as our present object is not panegyric, we forbear to recount 
the services, the exploits and the sufl"erings of this honorable and high 
minded citizen soldier. They are well known, and will brighten the 
pages of our history, when many of those tinselled insects whom chance 
has elevated within a few years, to the highest stations in our country, 
will be forgotten, or remembered only to be despised. But, he is a Fkde. 
RALIST. And it is a truth of notoriety, that owing to the narrow policy 
of the General Government, since the days of Gen. Washington, instead 
of bestowing upon him those honors and rewards which he has earned 
with his blood, he has been singled out as an object of persecution, envy 
and chilling neglect. 

As the General advances in years, the wound through his lungs becomes 
more troublesome, and it is feared will take him prematurely to his grave. 
His Physicians have repeatedly recommended to him a temporary cliange 
of climate; and in consequence of this recommendation, the General is 
induced to accept the nomination, in order to try the effect of the climate 
at Washington. His Physicians are of opinion that the most salutary 
effects upon his constitution, will flow from this measure. 

With respect to his office as Adjutant General, the matter is satisfactorily 
arranged, so that the public service will not suffer by his absence during 
the session or that the State will be deprived of his invaluable services in 
con.sequence. His duties and arrangements can principally be attended 
to before he will be obliged to leave this city; and His Excellency the 
Governor, impressed with a full belief of the necessity of the measure, has 
magnanimously offered to perform himself the incidental duties of his office 
during his absence, it is a noble and generous proffer of Governor Clinton. 

April 24th of this year, Solomon Van Rensselaer's appointment as Adju- 
tant General, an office retained, so long, in times when there was much 
party spirit and much acrimony on both sides, was confirmed for still 
another term ; and in May there was no opposition to the election of the 
Adjutant General as a member of Congress. 

Our Father's polifcal and civil services rendered to his Country and 
State irrespective of party or personal considerations, are entitled to as 
great a celebrity as his Military career. Viewed from either stand point, 
he established for himself, a character as exalted, honorable and high 
minded as his children could desire, and equally as gratifying, of which 
they may well feel proud. 

A friend writes: " From an early day I learned to admire Genl. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer's heroic qualities, high order of Uilent and, 
amiable disposition. And knowing him as I did from boyhood upward, 
my eye has been upon him. A nobler looking man, a more indulgent 
husband and father or kinder hearted friend I never knew." 

42 



330 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

"De Witt Clinton, Governor of the State of New York, General and Com- 
mander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same : 
To Solomon Van Rensselaer — Greeting : 

Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Conduct, Patriotism, 
and Valour, I do, by these Presents, Commission by Brevet, and assign 
you, the said Solomon Van Rensselaer to be A Major General in 
the Militia of the said State, until the pleasure of the Council of Appoint- 
ment in the premises shall be signified and made known. You are there- 
fore, in the mean time, pursuant to the trust hereby reposed in you, to take 
the said Militia into your care, as Major General thereof and faithfully 
to observe and follow all Instructions, Directions, and Orders, which you 
may from time to time receive from the Commander in Chief of the said 
State for the time being, and from others your superior Officers, according 
to the Laws organizing and regulating the Militia, and the Rules and Dis- 
cipline of War. 

In Testimony whereof, I have caused the Seal for Military Commis- 
sions to be hereunto affixed, at the City of Albany, the twenty-fourth day 
of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen 
and in the forty-second year of the Independence of the United States. 

De Witt Clinton. 

This Commission has the Seal with the word " Excelsior" — State of 
New York — stamped on it, and was given June 24, 1818. The Commis- 
sion of Major General was subsequently confirmed by the Council of Ap- 
pointment. 

"In consequence of an act passed at the session of the leigislature of 
New York state, entitled "an act of honor to General Richard Mont- 
gomery," authorizing the governor to take such measures as he should 
deem expedient to obtain the consent of the government of Canada, to 
the removal of the remains of the general, it was expected that a formal 
'delegation would have been sent by his excellency to Quebec. Infor- 
mation, however, had been received that the provincial government deter- 
mined not to comply with any formal request from the government of thia 
State upon the subject ; although the governor-in-chief (Sir John Sher- 
brookc) had expressed a perfect willingness to surrender the remains at the 
request of the widow of the lamented general. In order, thereibre, to effect 
the benevolentand patriotic object. Col. Lewis Livingston, a nephew of Gen. 
Montgomery at the request of Mrs. Montgomery, and with the approbation 
of the governor of NewYork state, proceeded a few weeks since to Quebec 
for that purpose. The request of Mrs. Montgomery to Governor Sher- 
brooke, to allow his remains to be disinterred and conveyed to New York, 
was readily complied with, and Col. Livingston was treated with much 
politeness and attention on this interesting occasion in the year 1818. 

iMr. James Thompson of Quebec who was one of the chief engineers at 
the time of the storming of the city, and assisted in burying the general, 
also as.sisted in the disinterment, making an affidavit to the identity of the 
body ; he was ninety years of age when the remains were taken up. Richard 
Montgomery was born in Ireland in 1737, was with Gen. Wolfe at the 
storming of Quebec in 1759 when both Wolfe and the French General 
Montcalm fell, he then quitted his regiment and returned to Englatid. 
In ^'''72 he again came to America, espoused the cause of the colonists and 
in 1775 he left on the rock of Quebec his blood, and to his country the 
legacy of his fame j purchased at the sad moment when, with his sword 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 331 

waving over his head, he rushed forward to the pickets to meet tlio dis- 
charge of a wall-piece from a ueighboring house which stretched the truly 
noble uiau lifeless on the bloody snow. His mangled body had been carefully 
deposited in the sepulchral vault, where it rested unmindful of the stormy 
strife of contending armies. But now, after a lapse of forty-three 
years, the precious relics were to be restored to his country's care and re- 
ceive the honors so justly his due. Having obtained and with great care 
secured the remains. Col. Livingston repaired without parade, and with 
as little delay as possible to Whitehall, from whence he immediately an- 
nounced his arrival and sucess to his excellency the governor. 

Qov. Clinton to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, Staten Island 16 June, 1818. 

My knee is much better. Dr. Hosack says that every thing is in ita 
proper place, and that I will recover. Mrs C's health is rather worse. I 
send you all the brevets in my possession. On the book case in my front 
office there is a large parcel. Will you get the key from the Recorder, 
[Philip S. Parker] procure and forward the whole to me to the care of 
Col. Ferris Pell, New York. I approve of your arrangement relative to 
Capt. William's Company. I return the paper; as soon as possible 1 will 
issue the General order in the case of Montgomery's remains. 

Ever Yours Sincerely, 

DeWitt Clinton. 

Amongst my other afflictions it is some satisfaction to inform you that 
Drs. Post, Rodgers, Francis and others concur in the opinion that every 
thing about my knee is in its proper place and that time will effect a per- 
fect cure. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer — Adjutant General, Albany. 

Head Quarters, Albany, 29th June 1818. 

The Commander in Chief having received intelligence from Col. L. 
Livingston, that the remains of Ge.veral Richard Montgomery have 
been, agreeably to instructions given to him, conveyed from the city of 
Quebec to the village of White Hall, in this state ; and being desirous of 
manifesting all proper respect for the memory of a distinguished hero, 
who fell gloriously fighting for the liberties of America, hxs thought pro- 
per to direct the following arrangements on this solemn occasion. The re- 
mains of General Montgomery will be conveyed to the city of New York 
and deposited near the monument erected to his memory in St. Pauls 
church : and in order that this may be done in the most respectful and 
honorable manner, the Adjutant General is specially charged with its ex- 
ecution and will proceed immediately to White Hall for that purpose. 

Brigadier General Westerlo will give orders for suitable escorts of cav- 
alry to attend the remains. The cavalry of Washington, Ren.>iselaar and 
Albany counties will perform this service in their respective counties. 

The remains will be received by the militia of the city of Albany with 
military honors, at the north line of the city, on the -tth of July, escorted 
to the Capitol and deposited in the Council Chamber under a guard : min- 
ute guns will be fired on the entrance of the procession. 

Col. Gansevoort and Col. Henry Livingston, aids of the commander-in- 
Chief, will in conjunction with Col. L. Livingston, proceed on the (ith of 
July from the city of Albany with the remains to the city of New York, 



332 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

and cause them to be conveyed to the Governor's room in the City Hall; 
and on Wednesday the 8th of July, the funeral solemnities will take place, 
under the direction of the Society of the Cincinnati, who will select offi- 
cers of the revolutionary army to bear the pall. 

Major General Morton will direct the military arrangements in the city 
of New York. The Commissary General and the Commissary of the 
Division of Artillery, will see to the necessary issues of ammunition. The 
municipal authorities of the cities of New York, Albany and Troy, are 
respectfully invited to co-operate ; and the Commander-in-Chief takes 
pleasure in the persuasion, that all his fellow citizens will unite with 
alacrity and cheerfulness in these solemn demonstrations of respect. la 
rendering due honor to illustrious heroes and statesmen, we not only 
reward distinguished merit, but excite to new achievements of patriotism 
and glory ; and an enlightened and public-spirited people, under the 
guardian of justice and policy, will never withhold their cordial co-ope- 
ration. 

By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. Adjutant General. 

Oeneral Orders. 

Head Quarters, Albany June 29th, 1818. 

Col. John Williams will order out a Troop of Dragoons from his Regi- 
ment to assemble at Whitehall in Washington County precisely at six 
o'clock on the morning of next Thursday, to escort the remains of the 
gallant but unfortunate Montgomery, by the way of Salem to Buskirk's 
Bridge, where the troop will be relieved by one from Col. Knickerbocker's 
Regiment. 

The adjutant general's official report, to Governor Be Witt Clinton, 
on the occasion, will be found very interesting. 

" In conformity to the orders of your Excellency of 29th Inst. I pro- 
ceeded on for White Hall in Washington County, and after making on 
my rout, some preliminary arrangements with Cols. Knickerbocker and 
Williams in relation to an escort of Dragoons for removal of the remains 
of the gallant but unfortunate Gen. Montgomery, I reached that place 
early on the morning of Wednesday 1st July, where I found Lewis Liv- 
ingston Esqr.,towhom I delivered the brevet Colonel's Commissions with 
which your Excellency had intrusted to my charge. The remains of 
Genl. Montgomery were safely lodged in a store house on the steamboat 
wharf. That evening Col. John Williams of Salem appeared at the head 
of two troops of Dragoons of his Regiment, under the command of Cap- 
tains McClelland and Cool^ and early the next morning this detachment 
paraded to perform the solemn duty for which they were assigned. The 
line of March was taken, precisely at 7 o'clock in the following order: 
First,^Col. Williams Dragoons. Next the Corpse, followed by Col. Liv- 
ingston and myself. 3d Citizens; and lastly a rear guard of Dragoons. 
Minute-guns were fired from Navy Point by order of the gallant Jjieut. 
Bud<l, who with a great number of the most respectable citizens of White 
I^all accompanied the procession to West Granville, a distance of nine 
miles; where I found a great concourse of people, and salutes were fired 
on the occasion. 

At East Granville a large collection of people, and a fine Band of Music 
were in waiting and the usual expression of regret for the unfortunate 
dead was shown. At about 5 o'clock that afteruoou we reached Salem 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 333 

and were escorted into the Town by the Milltnry and Citizens with mnurn- 
ij^g badges on the left arm ; their Colors and Drums drt-ssetl in tlie like 
manner, and by request, the Coffin was conveyed to the house oC .Jutige 
IJlanchard and guarded for the night by the Military. At six o'clock the 
next morning the escort resumed its march, in a steady rain, which con- 
tinued all day. At ten o'clock reached the division line between Wash- 
ington and Rensselaer Counties, where Col. Williams ami his detachment 
were relieved by Captains Ford and Follitt's Troops of Dragoons com- 
manded by Col. Harmaii Knickerbocker who was to have been accompanied 
by about 20 respectable and wealthy old farmers from Schaghticokc, 
headed by Cols. Knickerbocker and Croesbeck from 75 to 90 years of age, 
whose farms are all adjoining, and who still retain the habits and customs 
of their fathers, but were prevented by the incessant rain of that day, a 
grievance to the old veterans. Before I reached Lansingburg, 1 wa-< met 
by iMajors Marcy and Deforest, and the Officers of Ccdonel Vatcs' Kogi- 
mSitin uniform, with a number of Citizens in carriages and on horseback. 

At 5 o'clock I found the Corporation of Troy, headed by the venerable 
old soldier Col. Paulding (the Ma^'or) and a great collection of the Citi- 
zens at the north bounds of that City, among whom were Genls. Van 
Ness and Thomas; Col. Lane and many other worthies of those trying 
days when Montgomery fell. The cavalcade was unusually fine. 

His remains were deposited in the Court house protected by a Military 
guard, where I found Mr. Mead of Albany, with the superb Coffin made 
under the Xlirection of your Excellency and in which the remains of Gen. 
Montgomery were deposited in the presence of some of the members of 
the Corporation. The arrangements of the Corporation of Troy were 
so perfect, and the military part under the command of Col. H. Knnckcr- 
bocker so well executed, that the procession was in motion before 7 o'clock 
on the morning of the fourth, and by eight o'clock, the herse, with the 
remains of Genl. Montgomery, moved into the boat, under the discharge 
of Minute-guns, and attended to the waters edge by the Corporation, an 
immense number of Citizens, and the Military drawn up in open order in 
great style. While at Gibbonsville (West Troy), in passing the U. S. 
Arsenal, minute-guns also were fired and Major Laraby had his detach- 
ment drawn up on each side of the road. I feel under great obligation to 
him for the escort he furnished and his own personal attendance. 

The Corporation of Albany, the Citizens ami Military, under the com- 
mand of Lieut. Col. Lagrange as Marshal of the day, were drawn up in 
order at the North bounds of the City at 10 o'clock, and preci.-^ely at that 
hour we met them. As the movement here, was under the eye of your 
Excellency, I shall not pretend to go into particular.^. The pall was 
borne by patriots of the Kevolution, two of those — Cols. John Visscher 
and Nicholas Van Rensselaer, were with the gallant man, whose remains 
have been treated with so much respect and veneration from White Hall 
to this place, when he fell at Quebec. Captain Ten Eyck Lansin^''s 
Company had the honor of guarding the Council Chamber from Saturday 
until this morning, and fired the minute guns. Captains Judsou and 
Williams' company performed as usual, well. In appearance and conduct 
the Companies of those gallant officers. Majors Worth and Birdsall of 
U.S. Army,' were such as would naturally be expected from such dis- 
tinguished Officers. A deUchment of a Subalterns guard of Major 



' July 13th, Major Birdsall was assassinated. 



334 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Worth's Company, under the Comraand of Lieut. performs the military 

duty on board of the Steamboat. 

I have only to add, the arranj^ements this morning, under Major Tea 
Eyck, my Aid-de-Camp, were prompt and military, and that he gives evi- 
dence of future promise. Before I close this hasty report, I cannot refrain 
from repeating the great obligation I feel myself under to Cols. Williams, 
Knickerbocker and Livingston, for their zealous support in the discharge 
of the duty your Excellency entrusted to me. 
I am, vpith great respect 

Your Excellency's Obedt & humble Servt. 
To His Excellency, \ Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adj. General. 

De Witt Clinton. J Albany, July 6, 1818. 

On the lid of the splendid coffin was placed a superb piece of silver 
plate, engraved by Messrs. Shepherd and Boyd of Albany, with the fol- 
lowing inscription ; also another plate of gold, bearing the arms of #ie 
state. 

" The State of New York 

In Honor of 
General Richard Montgomery, 

who fell gloriously fighting for the independence and 
liberty of the United States before the walls of Quebec, 
the 31st of December, 1775, caused these remains of 
the distinguished hero to be conveyed from Quebec, and 
deposited, on the 8th day of July, 1818, in St. Paul's 
Church, in the city of New York, near the monument 
erected to his memory by the United States." 

The bearers were, John Lansing, jun. (chancellor), Stephen Lush, 
John H. Wendell, John Gates [was also at Quebec], John Visscher, 
Matthew Trotter, Wilhelmus Ryckman, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Elias 
Willard, John Shaw, Samuel Lewis of Saratoga, and John Ten Broeck of 
Hudson. On Monday the pall was borne to the steamboat by the same 
gentlemen, with the exception of Mr. Lewis and Col. Ten Broeck, and 
with the addition of Abraham Teu Eyck, and Matthew Gregory, also 
revulutionary soldiers. 

During the movement of the procession to the Capitol, minute guns 
were fired and the bells of the city tolled The remains were kept at the 
Capitol, guarded by Capt. Lansiugs's company of artillery, until Monday 
morning, when they were removed, escorted by the military, and attended 
by the corporation, and a great number of citizens, to the steamboat Rich- 
mond, and Cols H. Livingston and Peter Gansevoort (aids to His Excel- 
lency the Governor) and Col. L. Livingston, accompanied them to New 
York, escorted by a subaltern's guard of United States troops from Major 
Worth's detachment. On Sunday, the adjutant general, very obligingly 
attended several hours at the Capitol, for the purpose of gratifying those 
of our citizens who desired it, with a view of the remains. * 

The whole proceedings from Whitehall to this place, upon this occasion, 
and the eagerness displayed by all classes and description of people, to testify 
their profound respect and veneration for the memory of the deceased, ia 
highly creditable to the feelings, patriotism and character of our citizens. 
The peoiliarly a])pr()priate time of the arrival of the remains, rendered the 
occasion doubly interesting — it being the anniversary of that Freedom, 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 83 



o 



for the achievement of which Montgomery Fell ! The respect due 
to the nieiuory of so exalted a character as that of Gen. Mout<juiuery, was 
paid to his remains by the citizens of Hudson as the steamboat jmsscd on 
her way to New York. The military and citizens, to the number of about 
3000 assembled on the bank of the river, an appropriate number of minute- 
guns were fired as the boat moved gently down witli the current. The 
flag was suspended half way up the flag-staff, and the shipping at the 
wharfs also appeared with their colors at half-mast. At New York the 
remains of General Montgomery were deposited with civic and military 
honors. The funeral service was read in a solemn and impressive man- 
ner by the Kiulit Rev. Bishop Ilobart, and a short but elocjucnt eul(»gium 
pronounced by the Rev Dr. Mason. The remain.^ were llien committed 
to the ground, and vollies of musketry fired in the churchyard by de- 
tachments from the artillery, acting as infantry, and from the governor's 
guard. In New York city the pall-bearers were Col. Varick, (president 
of the Cincinnati,) Col. Trumbull, Col North, Gen. M. Clarkson, Col. 
M. Willett, Col. Fish, Capt. Trebout and Gen. Giles. 

The hearse and coffin were very splendid and were flanked by a detach- 
ment of the United States Infantry, under Lieut. Rulknap, followed by a 
horse caparisoned in black, and with the usual accompaniments of military 
mourning. The exhibition was imposing, magnificent and solemn. 

The annexed inscription was copied from the Monument in iSt. Paul's 
church-yard, placed in front of the church itself " This monument is 
erected by the order of congress, l.'5th Jan., 1776, to transmit to posterity 
a grateful remembrance of the patriotism, conduct, enterpri.<!e, and perse- 
verance, of Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery, who after a series of 
successes amid the most discouraging difficulties, fell in the attack on 
Quebec, 31st Dec, 1775 aged 37 years. The state of Now York caused 
the remains of Maj. Gen Richard Montgomery to be conveyed from Quebec 
and deposited beneath this monument the 8th day of July, 1818." ' 

Hon. John Lovctt to Solomon Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Schuyler's Hill, Thursday morning. 

Time, place, and circumstances prevented last evening my direct reply 
to your verbal communication. The solicitude you have long manifested 
for a reconciliation between Judge William W. Van Ness and myself, 
affords anew, but needless pledge of your honorable friendship. Misfor- 
tune must, I think, have exhausted nearly her whole quiver ot keen arrows 
at me : but no one ever pierced deeper, than that which severed the cord 
of intimacy between Judge Van Ness and myself. I pondered; wondered ; 
and regretted; and, had it been possible to persuade myself that I was 
not injured. I should have done it. I could not. I could not thus murder 
the friend in my own bosom, honestly testifying in the cause of my honor. 
The evidence of injury was, to me, conclusive : and painful as was the 
task, I decided by it. Of the facts, I am a competent judge ; of the 
motives, Jn(hje V<in Xess must judge alone. If it was intention, I lament 

' Albany July 4th. 1818. 

General Solomon Van Rensselaer, Dr. To Henry Shaw. 

To Making Wads at the time General Montgomerj's Bones Arrived at 

Albany * 4.r)0 

Cash Paul for Horse hire to go to (Jibbonsville to see after Cannon, 1.25 

Cash paid to Carman for carrying Wads on the Hill, 0.25 

Reed, payment C. A. TenEyck for Henry Shaw. $0.00 



336 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

and resent it; if inadvertence, I am sorry it was not promptly avowed. 
'il' u.pnsit7np/wn, too far urged upon good nature, I grieve that the shaft 
was not withdrawn, when it was manifest that the wound festered. 
Whether I was right, or wrong, Judge Van Ness ought to have spoken to 
me. If I was right;, the path was clear — he owed me an apology. If 
wrong, it was the duty of his friendship to chide me. You know, that I 
seek not to multiply the thorns which beset my path : and God knows, 
that my mangled heart can bear but few more thrusts. But my life and 
my honor must make a contemporaneous exit. I would never press a 
friend, in error, to the extreme of apology ; to know that he is satisfied 
thereof, and re'jrets the circumstance, is enough for me. /ask no more : 
honor cannot ask less. On that ground I will give Judge Van Ness my 
hand, and my heart will warm it. I seek friendship with all men ; but 
mostly those who are my Country's friends ; yet I cannot reach so far for 
friendship as to lose my balance and plunge into disgraCce. I cannot be- 
come the object of my own contempt ; 'tis the worst of suicide ; nor can 
I play the hypocrite, and reach my hand while my heart says no. I write 
this in haste (7 o'clock A. M.), as I must go early to ijwr office. If I ad- 
vance a single incorrect sentiment, be you my impartlH judge, and point 
to it with the finger of friendship. Yours most truly, 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. John Lovett. 

" In June, 1817, Mr. Lovett went on an excursion to the western 
country, for the purpose of providing a residence for himself and family 
from which he never returned. He located at Fort Meigs on the river 
Maumee ; the bank of the river at the little village of Perrysburg — com- 
menced by Mr. Lovett and named after Commodore 0. H. Perry — is 
almost one hundred feet in height. The change in the manner of living 
and the hardships incident to an unsettled country, proved too severe 
at so late a period of life, and brought on a degree of debility, under 
which he languished many months, and to which he finally fell a victim : 
Died. At Fort Meigs, Ohio, on the 12th of August 1818, the Hon. John 
Lovett of Albany, N. Y., aged 58 years. As a companion and friend, 
rarely has the world beheld one his superior. His coloquial powers were 
almost unrivaled, his wit flashed on every occasion, his humor was proba- 
bly never excelled. He twice represented the district in the house of 
representatives of the United Stales. In that situation he discharged his 
duties with great fidelity and punctuality. His devotion to his country 
was unbouuded, and he was ever deeply interested in its prosperity. He 
was a staunch federalist, but went with his party when in 1812 the Fede- 
ralists coalesced with the Clintonian Democrats, because conscious of their 
inability to elect a candidate of their own." 

Oen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Charleston, Jany 9th, 1819. 

Your letter was very interesting to me at this distance from all whom I 
hold dear. I am happy to find our Agricultural Society was organized so 
harmoniously and I am satisfied with the judicious choice of Managers, 
with one exception — myself Watson has written to me that now he is 
going to organize one in Rensselaer County, and modestly asks from me 
the same patronage that I afi"ord to Albany ; and also to offer a Farm in 
fee to the best Cultivator of a Farm &c. &c. I shall not be backward in 
Bubscribing provided it is supported by Men of Property in Troy and 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 337 

Lansingburj^h. Your Bill I am advised will pass the Senate — as well as 
the other branch as honorably.' Tray write to me what is doing at Albany, 
who will be Senator and who Judges <te., all the intrigues, and how 
Clinton stands. I am pleased that he is to be married so well. Mrs. K. 
unites with me in regards to your good Lady and amiable Daughters — 
tell lleasselaer I hope he is very studious. Respects to Jacob and all 
friends from Your friend, 

My health is improved in this mild climate. S. V. Kknsselaer. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adjt. General, Albany N. Y. 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Solomon, Hudson, 14th July, 1819. 

I received your letter & thank you for it. 

The Council has done nobly, tlio' there are several removals which 
ought to have beoo made, as well in this County as elsewhere, at the same 
time I must not be considered as a grumbler — much good has been done, 
and the effect I do not doubt, will be extensively usel'ul and beneficial. 
The Governor has certainly acted with the utmost liberality & firmness, 
and given a character to his administration which is very much needed. 
The battle is however but barely begun, and unless he himself and his 
friends at Albany are indefatigable in their exertions, you may rely upon 
it, all may yet be lost. 

I have just understood that Van Buren [Martin Van Buren, attorney- 
general,] has left Albany on an excursion which will take him about a 
fortnight — where bus he gone ? I have no doubt he is on a visit to such 
of the Democratic members in Montgomery & elsewhere as he can well 
operate upq|i. It ought to be counteracted at once by the friends of the 
Governor. I will see you at the August term. 

Yours affectionately. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer. W. W. Van Ness. 

The council of revision consisted of the governor, chancellor, chief 
justice, and judges of the supreme court. At this time James Kent was 
the chancellor ; Smith Thompson, chief justice; Ambrose Spencer, William 
W. Van Ness, Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Piatt were justices of the supreme 
court. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer had received his commission to bo a m:yor 
general, from the council of appointment in .March, and subsequently wo 
find him laboring on the political arena at Washington, He served the 
two consecutive sessions as a member in congress faithfully arid ably, 
giving, during the whole of his congressional career, general satisfaction. 
He left Albiiuy November 29, 1819, and on Monday, the Gth day of 
December, being the Jirst session of the sixteenth congress held under 
the constitution of the United States, Gen. Van llcns.«;elaer took his 
seat, having been unanimously elected representative, from the ninth 
district without opposition, in the house of representatives. " After a 
statesmanlike and comprehensive survey of the respective spheres of 
the political bodies, he took his stand on the platform of the party he 
represented and became a ' working man.' He was conscious of the 
abuses of political life, and in his daily routine exercised much practical 
wisdom." Again in 1821 the same distinguished honor was conferred 

*" Stephen Van li.'ussclaer lias tlie cri'dit of carryin-r the imjmrtant bill for the 
encouraffemont and impnn-L-niont of atrriculturi', throujrh the legislature. He 
was elected president of the board of agriculture in 1830." 

43 



338 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

upon him, by an overwhelming majority over his Democratic competitor, 
and i'ellow townsman, the Hon. Harmanus Bleecker, who was, in the year 
18o9, appointed United States minister to the Hague. He well knew 
and could say " the more I have observed of the world, the more I am 
satisfied that little reliance is ever to be placed on what is caWed friends. 
When the hour of trouble comes, and you call upon these friends, and 
request a little sacrifice to be made, in ninety cases out of a hundred, 
they turn their backs upon you, and desert you with all imaginable in- 
difference." It was clear to him, that every one's duty was to try to be 
in a situation, where he would have no favors to ask and such he wished 
to obtain. 

Officers of the Government of the United States : James Monroe, presi- 
dent; Daniel D. Tompkins, vice president; John Q. Adams, secretary 
of state; William H. Crawford, secretary of the treasury: John C. Cal- 
houn, secretary of war; Smith Thompson, secretary of the navy; Return 
J. Meigs, postmaster general ; William Wirt, attorney general. 

Representatives of the State of New York in Congress: XVITH Con- 
gress. — Silas Wood, Ebenezer Sage, Henry Meigs, Peter H. Wendover, 
Caleb Tompkins, Randell S. Street, James Strong, Walter Case, Jacob 
H. DeWitt, Robert Clark, Solomon Van Rensselaer, John D. Dickinson, 
John W. Taylor, Nathaniel Pitcher, Ezra C. Gross, Harmanus Peck, 
John Fay, Robert Morrell, Joseph S. Lyman, Henry R. Storrs, Aaron 
Ilackley, Jun., William D. Ford, George Hall, Jonathan Richmond, Caleb 
Baker, Nathaniel Allen, Robert H. Tracy. 

Senators, Nathan Sanford, Rufus King. 

1820. Officers of the Government of the State of New York : His 
Excellency De Witt Clinton, governor ; Hon. John Tayler, tieut. gov.; 
James Kent, chancellor; Ambrose Spencer, chief justice; William W. 
Van Ness, Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Piatt, John Wood worth, justices of the 
supreme court. Gerrit Y. Lansing, judge of the court of probates ; John 
V. N. Yates, secretary of state ; Archibald M'Intyre, comptroller; Garret 
E. Dox, treasurer ; Simeon De Witt, surveyor-general ; Thomas J. Oak- 
ley, attorney-general ; Anthony Lamb, commissary general. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, adjutant-general. 

Peter Gansevoort, judge advocate general. 

Samuel L. Mitchill, surgeon general. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My Dear Harriot. Washington, Dec. 18, 1819. 

I have been so much pressed with calls and calling on others, dispatch- 
ing papers and documents, that I have not been able before to give you aa 
account of our Mess. There are ten of us together, Bucktails, Democrats, 
and Federalists ; Wendover of New York, and Tompkins of Westchester 
(brother of Vice President) are among the number, all political discussions 
are prohibited. We pay ten dollars a week for our board ; cider and ale 
are the only drinks at our table which are at our cost, and as to eatables 
we are well furnished. My expenses including everything will fall short 
of what 1 contemplated. 

The climate is fine and well calculated for my shattered frame, we have 
neither had snow or rain since I have been here, and the weather is al- 
most like June with us at the north. I wish Elizabeth would send me, 
witluiut delay the printed orders organizing the Militia into twenty-five 
Divisions; if there is no order to be found in my office, let her take it 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 339 

from the Orderly Book. I only want the Major-Gencnili? and the num- 
ber of the brigades attached to each. I am one of the Military (^\)mmittec 
and my military duty will be this winter amu-sing to me. Let Rcn.s.selaer 
request Major Clinton to send me any Military papers which may bo in his 
Father's office. I am in high repute here ; Mr. Clay, the Speaker, Mr. 
Randolph and other great men are very friendly to me. Clay wi.xlied to 
place me at the head of the Committee upon Military Affairs, the duties 
of which are very extensive, and 1 could only get rid of it, by sayini: that 
the Military duties of my own State (as Adjutant General) wouM not 
allow me to pay the attention that was necessary. lie then appointed the 
noted General Smyth who is every thing my ideas had formed of him — a 
very great fool ! I attend a party at the French Ministers to night and 
have been to the party of Mrs. Adams. 

Your affectionate Husband, Sol. Van Rkn.s.sklakr. 

Oen. Lends to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

My dear General, Staatsburg 31 Decern., 1819. 

Accept my unfeigned thanks for your polite attention in transmitting 
me a copy of the President's .Message, and accompanying documentn, relat- 
ing to the Spanish Negotiations. I feel the obligation the more sensibly, 
by contrasting it with the conduct of some pretended friends, who were 
assiduous, on every occasion, to load me with civilities, as long as I had 
the power of serving them, and no longer. Srlf la, so generally, the great 
incentive to human action, and so few have been the exceptions I have 
met with, through the course of a long life, that when they do occur the 
gratification is much heightened by the reflection. 

Congress have, at this Session, to act on two very interesting Subjects. 
The final issue of which I look for with no small anxiety. 1 need scarcely 
say, I allude to our Affairs with Spain, and the question of admitting the 
new States, west of the Mississippi, into the Union, on condition of their 
prohibiting Slavery. I hope to see the first conducted, with firmness and 
moderation. The Second, I view, as far the most important. My feelings 
are in favor of freedom — -and I have uniformly indulged them, with respect 
to my own Slaves — having liberated all that were old enough. IJut all 
that has been said, and written on the Subject, has not been sufficient to 
satisfy my mind, of the right of Congress, to impose conditions of admission 
into the Union, unknown to the constitution, and repugnant tj the Idea 
of Equallti/. Should it be persisted in, it requires no Prophet to forsec 
that it will terminate in a Severance of Empire. 

How stand opinions at Washington, among men who do not sacrifice 
every consideration to parti/ (if any such you are acquainted with) as to 
the Question between the Vice President [Daniel D. Tompkins] and the 
Comptroller [Archibald Mclntyre] of this State? Much pains has boon 
taken here, to make it altogether a party Question, particularly by those 
who wish to bring forward the Vice President as the Opponent of Mr. (Minton, 
at the next election for President ; under the idea that he will be the most 
powerful opponent. I have little, if any thing, to do with politicks : and 
am pretty much surrounded by persons very hostile to Mr. Clinton. Yet, 
among those, I can discover that the Comptroller's Statements, of defalca- 
tion, have made a deep Impression. 

Accept a.ssurances of sincere friendship from Your faithful 

Morgan Lewis. 

Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, in Congress, Washington. 



340 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

General Jackson had been very demonstrative respecting our Spanish 
affairs; his conduct was censured by very many but approved of by the 
president. He had marched into Florida, taken possession of St. Marks; 
and two of the principal men in the Spanish garrison being accused of excit- 
ino' the Seminole Indians to hostilities, were tried by a court martial, and 
executed by his orders. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 

Washington Jany. 3, 1820. 

I thank you my dear Harriot for your affectionate letter, nothing since 
I left home has given me half the pleasure. Indeed if it was not for the 
interest of you and our dear ones, nothing would induce me to be here, 
the sacrifice of feeling and comfort are too great in being separated. 
Were you with me I should be perfectly happy, this would be my home 
as well as Albany or any other place, and if fortune smiles on us, you 
must accompany me next Session, and divest yourself of the cares of a 
family at least for a season ; my heart is now, as it always has been entirely 
devoted to you. I told you of my fixed resolution to go only once to the 
parties of the Head of Departments, the foreign Ministers and to Col. 
Taylor, who formerly belonged to the Dragoons with me, and then I halt. 
I have nearly finished those I intended to go to — the Presidents, the 
Secretary's of War and Treasury are the last, excepting the one for to 
morrow, and there I shall go out of curiosity ; was you to see me at those 
places, as well as all others, you would be gratified. Tell the girls as soon 
as I have time, I will give them an account of those parties — but of 
course they would think them not equal to those at Albany. How grati- 
fied I feel at the good conduct of Rensselaer, nothing can be more grateful to 
the heart of a parent which you do and can feel. I have procured you a 
fine pair of Spectacles, and a pair for myself, as I can only write at night 
and now can do so as well as in the day. From the inclosed letter to the 
Patroon — which I wish you to read — you will see how my time is taken 
up; seal and send it by Rensselaer. I now return Margaretta's honora- 
ble school Certificate, and inclose a little present for her. I am much 
gratified. Good night my dear Harriot, kiss our flock for me. 

Yours Unalterably 

Mrs. Van Rensselaer. ' SoL. Van Rensselaer. 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

My dear Friend, Albany 5th January 1820. 

We yesterday obtained a glorious victory. John C. Spencer is Speaker 
by a majority of 13 — our actual majority is about 17 in the Assembly and 
I think we shall increase it in a few days. Every thing here at present 
looks well ; and of one thing you may rest assured that Daniel D. Tomkins 
is utterly and totally disgraced and annihilated. Yet I believe he will be 
the Jacobin Candidate, but we shall beat him from ten to fifteen thous- 
and We are however obliged to be industrious. The powerful Bucktail 
Corps is here in all their strength. They are violent and abusive be- 
yond example, the great attack on me is to be made in the Assembly in a 
day or two. [As to legislative corruption, in regard to the charter of the 
bank of America, which was hoiKjht through, it was said, in which trans- 
action Klisha Williams, William W. Van Ness, and other eminent men 
were thought to be disgracefully implicated.] I am ready for them. I 
wish you was here. The Patroon has behaved like a man. Why don't 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 341 

you write to rae ? There is a report here that J D. Dickenson is Kosfilo 
and that he has become more so at VV'ashiiiLrtoii. I know this is a false- 
hood, but I want you to see him and to \vl me hear from you. Sp.-ak 
boldly at Washington, about Clinton. My federal friends in the A.ssemhly 
have behaved nobly. We are nearly unanimous. In fact there are but 
about four apostates. George Tibbits andKli.<ha B. Strong of Ontario 
are the only unexpected apostates. Rufus King will be chosen Senator, 
though many of tlie bucktails are violently oppDsed to him. It would be 
very easy to defeat him, but I am decidedly in favor of his apjxiintnifnt. 
We feel well and strong, but we may be deceived. I want you to be- 
come acquainted with Henry 11. Storrs of Columbia Cotfnty, a member of 
your house. He is a clever fine fellow and one of our most eloquont men in 
Congress. W. W. Van Nkss. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. In Congress, Washington. 

This eminent jurist. Judge Van Ness, was just and discriminating and 
possessed high intellectual elements which enabled him to adorn the 
bench, and made him very careful ot the reputation of others. Politi- 
cal parties, however, then as now, in the zeal of heated contests, greatly 
exaggerated the consequences for good or evil, which were to result from 
their success or failure. 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, Watervliet Jan 11, 1820. 

This morning Mr. Clinton's Council was elected. Mr. Dudley [(^harles 
E.] obtained several Federal votes, Mc Kown [James] among the number, 
and George Tibbits I understand voted the whole liucktail ticket. John 
Lounsberry has eight more votes than Dudley. The Clintonians are in 
high spirits. The Vice President, it is said, will be too heavy a weight 
and it is probable Judge Yates will be the Candidate. I think it very dcmbt- 
ful who will succeed. Pray tell me how you are pleased at Washington. 
Remember me to my friend Randolph. I hope you have visited Colonel 
Johnson of Kentucky, he was our friend. 

1 was last evening elected President of the Board of Agriculture, one 
deferential vote. Watson solicited the appointriient, and is really cx- 
tremly vexed at his failure. Your friend. 

S. V. Rensselaer. 
Major Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C Washington. 

Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Albany ISth Jany, 1820. 

I have just received yours and thank you for it. The state of things 
here is daily "and hourly improving. It is with equal pride and exulta- 
tion that I confidently assert, that I have never known any administration 
surrounded and supported by such a combination of talent — virtue — 
and patriotism as Governor Clintons. There is not now an influential or 
respectable federalist who is not with us. The few who have gone off are 
objects of disgust and contempt. We are erecting upon the most solid 
basis, a glorious edifice which will I trust long remain the boast and orna- 
ment of our State and elevate its character both at home and abroad. 
The parricides from our State at Washington last winter I know have 
done much, too much, to misrepresent and degrade us, but we shall give 
the lie to our calumniators, by such a demonstration of moral power and 



342 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

wisdom, as will extort applause, when otherwise it would be withheld by 
envy, meanness, or malij^uity. I repeat, the good and great of all nations 
are rallying about our State Administration with a vigor and zeal that is 
unexampled, while you see collected in the opposite ranks every specula- 
tive-disgraced petifogger and public defaulter. The whole phalanx of 
public plunderers, who, under the great leader of all that is base and dis- 
honorable — Tompkins, lived upon the treasury, is in dismay, and shudder 
at the appalling denunciation which now thunders from the Capitol " the 
day of plunder shall be no more." I rejoice to hear ray worthy friend 
Dickinson feels as I knew he would feel. He is not the only honest man 
who has been claimed by the apostates among us. John W. Wheeler has 
been wavering, but I believe he is now settled down with us. It is yet 
doubtful who wiU*be the opposing Candidate. Tompkins is daily expected 
here, and I suspect will finally be nominated. Great eflforts are made to 
induce Thompson to stand, but he is too wise I hope to consent, tho' don't 
however care a rush who is taken up, we challenge the whole field, and 
will beat any man by more than 10,000 majority. Our friend McKown 
does not behave well. He split his ticket in the question of Council, and 
separates himself from all those to whom he owes his election as Member 
of Assembly. However we don't give him up — he is a man of honor 
and will, we hope, finally do what is right. Your family is well. In great 
haste my Dear Solomon, I am yours, W. W. Van Ness. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington, 

" The New York legislature about these times had some few members 
to represent their constituents who cared but little for etiquette. Among 
these was a major who manifested his singular indifference to the most 
common observances of cultivated life, by his inveterate habit of spitting 
in every direction upon the carpet. One day when preparing a speech to 
be delivered before the august body of his peers, a servant came into his 
room to perform some ofiice, and observing this filthy habit, shoved the 
spittoon in front of him : the major was oblivious, and out went another 
mouthful to the left; the servant moved the polished receptacle of filth to 
the left. The eyes of the major were still bent upon his paper, and his 
mouth was working nervously ; it soon filled, and away went another 
copious ejectment, this time to the right. The major's salivary glands 
rapidly secreted again, and while his lips were gathering for one grand 
discharge in front, the servant gave the appurtenance a desperate shove 
with the broom in that direction. ' Now, see here ! ' said the major, ' do 

you take that d d thing right out of the way, or I'll spit in it ! ' This 

story soon leaked out." 

Ocn. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Harriet, Washington, Jany 22d, 1820. 

I this evening received your letter of Jany. 17 th ; thanks to my 
Spectacles or I could not answer it. I hail that day [the anniversary of 
marriage] as the happiest of my life ; if some part of the time since has 
been checkered, it was owing to Rascah who have injured me in private 
as well as in public life. No young man who started in life as I did, has 
made greater exertions, in public or private life, to provide for a wife I 
adored and her children, than I have done. And after surmounting all 
(lifliculties to bo cut short in both — the one purchased with my blood, 
and the other with the sweat of my brow — had nearly overcome my 



Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 343 

reason; and I know the effects of which had nearly destroyed nje. Those, 
too, for whom those feelinj^s were excited on some occasions, I re;,'rct were 
the sufferers, but it is past, forj^^et my love those occurrences. I shall do 
all I can for you and ours; if my means were only e(|ual to my wishes, 
you should be completely happy. You and they deserve and possess the 
tenderest feelings of husband and father ; dismiss then (ill/mrs, and make 
yourself as happy as our separation will admit of. This advice I give you 
without being able to practice it myself, for I assure you that I feel as if 
I was alone in the world without you. If you was only with me, my situa- 
tion would be enviable, for in every other respect 1 am coml'ortable. lu 
my dear wife and children my attachment and every wish upon earth is 
centred. If I return to this place, I pray to God to be enabled to bring 
you with me, I shall then be perfectly happy, and make you so too. Write 
to me as often as you can, I look with anxiety for every mail and ieel 
disappointed if I do not get a letter from one of you. I cannot write as 
frequently as I wish, for independent of my duties here, 1 have communi- 
cations from every part of the State and even out of it, they must con- 
sider me a yrcat man and that I can force through any thing for them. 
I attend to all as lar as I can, at all events 1 answer them. I have now 
got through with the parties at the Heads of Departments and Foreign 
Ministers. All the dinner and evening parties I have declined on account 
of my wounds; while this excites sympathy, it saves me much time and 
expense in hack hire. * * * 

I received your letter of last Monday [March 20th, 1820, J for which I 
thank you. The account of the winking and nodding of my dear little 
pets was very interesting and very gratifying to " papa." • Kiss the little 
dears for me. Write as often as you can, which will be reciprocated 
by me as often as our business, which is beginning to press, will 
allow. Tell Rensselaer to act prudently and attend closely to his 
studies and the concerns of the family. Let me know how things are 
going on in relation to the farm. I am very pleasantly situated in a pru- 
dent Mess, but it is nothing like home. How I wish to see our little ones, 
tell Harriet Maria and " Dada," that I will bring them a pretty doll. Is 
your Iliver closed ? the weather here is quite warm. If you want anything 
let me know. Ever and Sincerely your affectionate husband, 

Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer. Sol. Van Rensselakr. 

In the letter above referred to, my mother had written : " The prattle of 
our little pets is incessant. Catharina tells everybody that you have sent me 
' two Kyes from Washington.' You can have no idea how she does 
chatter; she came out from the front room, the other day and said, ' J\ipa 
did ivink at me.' Then Harriet Maria replied, ' He di<l shukf his head 
fur int.' They look at your portrait so long that they really fancy as 
true, what they entertain each other with." While General Van Rens- 
selaer was in Washington, a large portrait, painted on canvas by the 
celebrated Ezra Ames, and just completed, was brought home. Your 
mother, dear Hattie, then a child of not four years, had not seen our 
father for many months ; she was present when the strikingly correct 
picture was uncovered. Not a word was spoken till the little one clapped 
her hands, and then after gazing at it for a moment with a surprised ex- 
pression, exclaimed in a grieved toneof voice, after running to our mother — 
'' Foor papa got no legs!" All of the interested family present, were de- 



344 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

lighted with the child's naivete, and Mr. Ames declared he desired no 
better evidence of its beini:; a perfect likeness and a beautiful painting. 

" Mr. Ames took Sir Joshua Rei/nolds for his guide in early life, and 
through him became acquainted with every really eminent painter, 
ancient or modern ;" and many years previous to this satisfactory produc- 
tion, it was said " friends have witnessed the mighty eflPorts of Ames's 
genius in the line of his noble profession, and the day is not far distant 
when the brush of Stuart shall meet its rival in Albany. An elegant 
portrait of the Hon. George Clinton when vice president of the United 
States, painted just before his death in 1812, by. Mr. Ames of Albany, 
was sent to the Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia." [See frontis- 
piece for portrait.] 

Judge Spencer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir : Albany, Feb. 15, 1820. 

Will you have the goodness to hand the enclosed to Gen. Brown, it 
will reach him safer in this channel. So Tompkins stands his hand — and 
thus ends the deception practised upon the federal tarn nanies at the beginning 
of the Session. We will cure his itch to come before the people — rely 
upon it he will fail by many thousands. Is it true that he was against any re- 
striction in regard to slavery in Missouri ? It is very important that we should 
be able to fix that charge upon him if it be true — let me know as soon as 
possible. You may remember that we conversed about some 31angle 
Wurtzel seed before you went on — don't forget to procure me a pound of 
it as you return thro' Philadelphia, enquire for the best kind. Is there 
such a thing to be procured in Philadelphia as Orchard Grass seed ? 
What is the price and when is it to be sowed ? 

Your friend Judge Van Ness, I have no doubt, will come out as pure as 
gold from the refiners hand. Yours Sincerely 

Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, A. Spencer. 

Representative in Congress, Washington. 

The late Chief Justice Ambrose Spencer was a severe and stern, but 
also a just and humane judge. His mind was remakable for the quickness 
of its perceptions, for its pcnetratioy and its comprehensiveness. He 
died March 13, 1848, in the eighty-third year of his age. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
The Missouri Compromise. 



Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Friend, Albany, Feb. 20, 1820.. 

I have no time to say any thing more about politics, except that we 
shall carry the election, and as I verily believe by an immense majority. 
The residue of my letter must be short and relate to my own concerns. 
[His Impeachment.] You mentioned to me a conversation you had with 
J\Ir. Fowler of Newburgh, in which he stated to you the reasons assigned 
by B. fur attacking and endeavouring to destroy me. The testimony of 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 345 

Mr. Fowler may be important to me, and I will be much obliged to you 
to give me a detailed statement of what Mr. Fowler coniniiuiicated to you, 
your name shall not be revealed. I understand Mr. Kin<; speaks dis- 
respectfully of me, and injures me when he can. Do you know any tliiiif; 
of this ? I hear too Dickinson is more than cold towards me and for tha't 
reason I am afraid to write to him as I had intended to do. How do you 
understand him ? T hear he is a violent Tammany man and regret it. 
One word more and I have done — my enemies are malignant — inde- 
fatigable — and profligate — I set them at defiance; and tho' I feel 
mortified and indignant at the ba.se attempt^ made to destroy me, I am 
tranquil and firm in the midst of persecution. I hope my friends will 
have reason to say I meet the shock like a matt, and that I have never 
wavered, nor faultered for a single moment. I wish it had so hap|)ened 
that you could be here — but that is out of the (juestion — one of the 
principal witnesses against me, I understand is Oat. Van Wie. 

Yours aflfectionately, 
Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, la Congress. W. W. Van Nes.s 

Dr. Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Green Bush, March 1, 1820. 

You will excuse me for intruding a few moments upon your time 
when you have So many important concerns on hand, if I say that you 
may do me a favor. In 181-i, I had employed Mr. Gr. V. Denniston in 
some business relative to my deceased brother John — and had supposed 
that it was all settled — when he told me yesterday that by requesting 
your attention I could recover some considerable pay that was due at the 
time of his death. He says, that the only thing requisite would be an 
Examination of the Returns of the 23rd Regt. (of Infantry I think) in 
which he enlisted on the 25th of April, 1814. It will be there seen bow 
much pay he had received and what balance was still due. Your atten- 
tion to this will much oblige me. Will you inform me if any, and what 
other steps may be necessary ? Since my return home from Europe, it 
has often been my intention, and still oftener my wish to write to you. 
I know not how it is, but the Genius of Laziness seems to claim as vota- 
ries all those who reside at Green Bush, and to throw her spells over all 
visitors. Indeed for a non-resident there are so few attractions in this 
place that I should be half dead, if it was not for your good family. Yours 
is the only house in Albany I visit, and I see the folks often and always 
with renewed pleasure. Poor little Harriet Maria has suffered greatly, 
but everything has assumed a more favorable appearance than when I 
first saw her. Inclosed is a slip from the new.s-paper containing an ac- 
count of part of my trip — ascent to Mount Vesuvius. 

If the domestic circle is quiet, the Political world is all in confusion 
and tumult. The Nominations of Daniel D. Tompkins and (Jenl. Moore's 
you have doubtless seen in the public prints. Of their addresses to the 
Electors I say nothing — but that they were penned by the fellows who 
alone voted against ilufus King as our Senator. Their last Meeting is 
said to be the largest that has ever assembled in Albany — Query — How 
many of them were entitled to vote for Governor '{ The arraignment of 
Judge Van Ness has, I am sorry to say, made an unfavorable impression 
in the minds of many good federalists — and thus their infernal schemes 
are succeeding, even when they shall be forced to acquit him. One of 

44 



346 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

their party lately told me, " if we can't prove him guilty, his reputation 
will at auy rate be damned." I trust however that his character will 
stand still unblemished in the minds of the most respectable part of the 
community. For the present adieu — If your time allows, I shall be 
happy to hear from you — to ask it, is almost too much when you have 
so many demands upon you. We are all well here, thank God. 

I remain, yours Most Sincerely, 

Jer. Van Rensselaer, 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. 

While Dr. Van Rensselaer was traveling in Europe, his instructive and 
pleasant letters were frequently published in the leading journals of the 
day. He subsequently took his family abroad, remaining many years, and 
in 1852 moved into what was once called the " Cralo Fort" at Green- 
bush. 

" The following extract of a^letter is from Dr. Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 
of Greenbush, New York — a young gentleman now in Europe, and where 
he has been for several years, to complete his studies in the medical art." 
April 20, 1819. I begin my letter to you on the crater of Mount Vesuvius. 
The extreme heat of the river of lava, by the light of which I wrote the 
above, prevented my continuing. We have descended about 150 feet — 
our guides would go no farther. Our company have gone to Naples. H. 
and myself have determined to pass this night here, and are now writing 
by the light of a torch on warm lava, that flowed seven days ago. An 
eruption of some consequence took place last night, and the lava is running 
in a stream of about 7 feet wide, at the rate of about three miles an hour. 
Nothing can possibly be imagined more sublime — the smoke issuing from 
the glowing torrent, is like a cloud of fire — part of the mount seems on 
fire, while below it appears the very centre of desolation and gloom. At 
break of day we mount again, to descend further into the crater, and see 
the sun rise from its mouth. I may perhaps try more experiments. I have 
written your name in the burning lava, and it has cooled — the piece is 
beside me. I also put in a five franc piece — the impression is good, and 
you shall one day see it. Our torch is about going out, and I must stop 
to finish to morrow at Naples. Two distinct eruptions have just taken 
place, and cast out heated stones to the height of 100 or loO feet. Naples, 
22d. I scarcely know what you will think when you open this letter. If 
it was not for the sake of the place where I began it, you should never see 
it. We passed the night very well on the mountain. Our guides cleared 
away the larger stones, and left us none bigger than eggs — we spread our 
great coats in this little hollow, and were comfortable enough. We re- 
quired no covering — at our feet issued a small column of heated air — 
beneath us too warm air oozed up ; but the great coats prevented our being 
steamed. H. found that he was too warm, and got up to walk about. I laid 
quiet, to enjoy the superb sight before me. Some provisions were sent to us 
by the party — it arrived about eleven o'clock. Fatigue was a good opiate, 
and our sleep was sweet. Our guides slept on the bare stones beside us. 
At 3 o'clock we took some bread and wine, and began again the ascent. 
Our route now lay in another direction. It was not so difficult as what we 
had ascended the evening before. Before 5 we were at the top, and waited 
only a few minutes to sec the purple tinge of the horizon gradually change 
into brightened gold. A sea of clouds floated far beneath us — it resem- 
))li'd :in undulated plain of cotton, whose edges were tinged and burnished 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 817 

by the first rajs of the luorninf^. The scenery below wa.s lost — nouuht 
appeared but the fiery suminit on which we stood, ami the tops of lofty 
mountains around that rose above the clouds that settled on their sides. 

We continued our labor, and got near the luouth of the crater — the 
wind drove the smoke towards us, and wo were obliged to descend and try 
the other side. We rose to the highest point, and thence a t^radual 
descent took us to the mouth of the largest crater. lus shape constantly 
varied — at present there are two fountains, whence issue the smoke and 
stones. We could not observe the bottom very plainly — to descend was 
impossible. The smaller crater has three of these nostrils or breathing 
holes, smaller than the first, but more active. The wind drove the smoke 
in such a manner, that we saw the bottom on the other side. Our guides 
were urging us to descend — a shower of hot stones and cinder had more 
influence than their entreaties. The lava is seen in neither crater, but 
flows through a subterranean canal, almost horizontal ; and dues not appear 
till it forces through the crust about 150 yards from the crater. It forma 
at once a river about seven feet wide, and flows at the rate of between 2^ 
and 3 miles an hour ; its depth cannot be told. The present stream 
issued in this spot .seven days ago, and continues still running — it re- 
sembles flowing liquid iron, running in a gutter, which it eeems to have 
formed, having on either side a perpendicular wall of lava, about three 
inches thick, serving as a kind of raceway. About a mile from the orifice, 
it spreads into a large bed or lake, and there cools, gradually becoming 
black on the surface, and still glowing beneath. Occasionally the river 
changes its course — this gave an opportunity of breaking several times 
the crust that covers the stream, to see the hot lava below. In some 
places, where all was cold, we broke it and found it quite hollow beneath, 
by the extrication of the gas. Usually a heavy wind breaks the crusts, 
and then they fall in every direction, giving the whole mountain a terrific 
appearance. At a distance it looks like new ploughed land, and of the 
same colour : as we approach, it is much more rough and hideous. Having 
taken some more impressions in the lava, we turned to survey the scene 
around us. The clouds hung on the foot of the mountain, and only per- 
mitted us to see the gloomy cone on which we stood. The genius of 
desolation may be said to reign over this dreary realm ; not a sign of 
vegetation relieves the eye, wearied and sad with the horrible and bleak 
expansfc that environed us : How melancholy are the feelings excited in 
such a situation ! How much more so are the recollections it recalls ! I 
felt as if we alone stood on the ruins of the universe — as if chaos was 
come again ; nor can I think of it without emotion. A long and distros.«?- 
ing walk on the broken lava brought us to the place where we ha<l slept. 
Our last descent began here, and when once at the foot of the upper part 
of the mountain, we rapidly .went in seven minutes, the same distance 
that we were an hour in ascending the day before. The fathers received 
us kindly at the hermitage, where we breakfasted on bread and wine. 
The clouds had now dispersed, and we enjoyed a view of the superb bay of 
Naples. I must say (nor do I know how far prejudice influences ray 
saying so), that it is inferior to the bay of New York. The famed places 
that skirt its shores, give to it a reputation and a cla.ssic interest that New 
York cannot boast — and as long as Homer, Virgil, Horace and Pliny 
are read so long will this bay be the most interesting in the world. In- 
dependent of these writers, the fertile soil that envelopes the foot of 
Vesuvius, with its burning craters, the number of cities and villages do- 



348 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

stroyod by its dreadful workincs, will ever attract the lover of landticape 
and the !«tudeut of nature. The cities over which we walk — the palaces 
over which we sail — the lakes, half swallowed — and mountains ejected 
in a single night — all add to the interest of the place. 

Such were luy thoughts as my mule came down the base of the mount- 
ain, at the little village of Rescina, from whence we had descended the 
day before into Herculaneum. The theatre alone is now shown ; some 
persons having been lost in the excavations, they are closed to the public — 
and through \he inadvertency of others, we are deprived of pleasure and 
instruction. To Pompeii is 8 miles, and we took a kind of chaise for the 
day. The Neapolitan chaise, or cabriolet, is a very small gig, into which 
two very small persons may squeeze; one of them drives, and the coach- 
man stands behind to whip the horse, which is exclusively his prerogative, 
and the passenger cannot prevent him from making the horse run all the 
distance. Pompeii, as it is shown to visitors, is^more interesting than 
Herculaneum ; since it is part of a city exposed to light, and open to day. 
We walk by daylight in the streets ; enter the houses and temples and 
visit the forum and tombs, the same as any ancient town — but cannot 
forget, that since the year 79, till within a short time, the ashes of Yesu- 
vius have hid it from the day. The temple of Isis is the most complete; 
few houses have the second story ; the first are perfect, and are easily 
known. Thus several cook-shops, a bake-house, a surgeon's or druggist's, 
a milkman's &c., are at once recognized by the signs painted on the walls, 
and frequently the name is seen too. One of the streets must have been 
superb ; it yet exhibits the marks of carriage wheels. The workmen and 
guides are very strict; I wanted a small square piece of marble, which 
served as a floor to one of the courts — although it laid loose on the ashes, 
yet they replaced it; nor had a bribe far beyond its intrinsic value, any 
effect. They gave me to understand that both, their necks would answer 
for it. 

I wrote to you from Leghorn. We went from thence to Pisa, Lucca, 
and Florence; the latter is a beautiful and interesting place, in the vale 
of Arno, one of the most luxuriant in the world. From Florence to Home 
is 200 miles, we arrived in the Holy Week, and saw the ceremonies of 
Easter. The religious ceremonies were the most splendid I ever saw. 
The pope, 20 cardinals, 30 bishops, and lots of deacons officiated — about 
30,000 persons were in St. Peter's during the service. We got by chance 
with the ambassadors ; but though luck favored us in the cathedral, it left 
us to shift for ourselves at the door, and we mingled in a crowd of 150,000 
persons, who knelt to receive the benediction of his holiness. 

The illumination of St. Peter's, and the fire. works, were superb beyond 
description. They are said to have cost more than one million of dollars, 
and still his holiness cannot clear his dominions of banditti — he is too 
poor ! Part of the way from Rome to this place, guard houses are built 
every quarter of a mile, and we had frequently a soldier on each side of 
the carriage to protect us from robbers. Still the traveller sees every mile 
crosses erected on the grave of some murdered traveller, or the limb of 
some wretched victim of the law. 

From Home we crossed the Pontine marshes — the travelling is 10 miles 
an hour — the people look as if nature was sinking to rest; still they are 
the only contoiitod folks I have seen in Italy. Formerly felons were con- 
demned to act here as postillions; at present things are not so bad, and 
only want proper management. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 349 

" The above interesting extract was penned by Dr. Jeremiah Van Rensse- 
laer, a -rentleman of the old school, distinguished for his lartrc-hcarfeil 
charity and courteous bearing towards all, the fragrance of his gentle 
Christian character will long remain to justify the appropriate inscription 
upon his tomb — 'the memory of the just is blessed.' lie was the son 
of John J. Van Rensselaer, who died in 1828, and occupied the cjuiint 
' Old Van Rensschier MansUm ' on the ea.'«t bank of the Hudsou river, 
just below the village of Grecnbush, opposite the city of Albany. Jt is 
a fine old mansion, delightful in location, with the broad, silvery Hudson 
washing its bank, and the sad and joyous associations of more than two 
centuries clustering around it. A dense hedge of lilacs, rich in tht* pro- 
fusion of spring flowers, borders and overtops the picket-fence wliich fronts 
the house and runs nearly parallel with the road and river. Within tiic 
hedge, a lawn kept with cultivated ta.^te. attracts the attention of the pas.s- 
ing traveler, as he looks through the openings with a longing desire to 
enjoy the cool and quiet seclusion of its retreat. The building was erected 
as early as 1663, and no doubt was used in those early times as a fort, 
some of the stone port-holes still remain visible in the walls. 

" Around the fireplace, in the upper chambers, are a number of tiles, 
of a dull purple color, containing Scripture illustrations. One represents 
the flight of Joseph into Egypt. "Another is that of Dives and ]..azarus ; 
another of the tiles represents the baptism of Christ in the river Jordan. 
There are altogether between forty and fifty of these tiles all of which have 
Scripture subjects upon them. Here, too, was seen the heavy wooden 
chest, in which the linen of our ancestors was sent to Holland to be 
washed, showing how exclusive was their entire dependence on the mother 
country during their early residence in this western wilderness. After 
this old mansion had been built more than a hundred and twenty-five years, 
a few very enterprising New Englunders passed by and made a settlement 
of the village of Troy. We may imagine the mingled surprise and indig- 
nation of the good old burghers of staid Albany, when they found that 
' Big Jacob,' grandson of the venerated Derick Van Derheyden, had fallen 
into the hands of the Philistines and sold a portion of the farm of 4'JU 
acres, leased from the Patroon, at an annual rent of three bushels and 
three pecks of wheat and four fat fowls." 

Oov. Clinton to Sol. Van Eenssdacr. 
Dear Sir, Albany, 17 March, 1820. 

I intend to lay before the Legislature at their request evidence of the 
interference of the General Govt, in our Elections. With this view I am 
anxious to have authenticated accounts of the Po.^t Master General's 
[Return J. Meigs] conduct on Van Buren's [Martin Van Buren, a mem- 
ber of the New York Senate] Letter, and for this purpose, I have written 
to Messrs. Munell and Lyman. Cannot V. B's letter be procured by a 
call of the House? Will you see to this and ajso procure such other 
testimony on this Subject as may be in your power ? We stand well here. 
Thousands and thousands of office seekers under the new Council. 

Yours truly, 

De Witt Clinton. 
Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Tn Congress, Washington. 



350 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, . W. Vliet, March 17, 1820. 

Your letter and the documents I received and handed them to the 
Governor. Both parties are very sanguine. I think however the Buck- 
tails are rather below par — if the Western District give Clinton their votes 
his party calculate on, then he succeeds. The Federals in the State 
except N. York will give him their support, some however reluctantly. 
We are determined to rally under our old banner and support McKown 
against Duer (for Assembly) who has joined the Bucktails and Gibbons. 
You have seen E. Clark's letter to Morris Miller. I think he will feel 
small when he meets his old friends. What do you think of our address 
to -the Agricultural Societies ? I sent one to Randolph, has he received 
it ? We have excellent sleighing yet. I hope to see you the beginning 
of next month. Mrs. R. on Tuesday presented me with a fine boy, she 
is as well as usual on those occasions. Your friend, 

S. Van Rensselaer. 

Major General Van Rensselaer, Washington. 

Qen. Van Rensselaer to Ms Wife. 

My dear Wife, Washington, TVIarch 20, 1820. 

I wrote you we had made up a party to go to Alexandria and Mount 
Vernon, we returned on Saturday evening, in a fine moonlight, at 10 
o'clock, from the Seat of the Father of his Country. My time will not 
allow me to give you a description of the place or of my feelings ; these 
must be reserved for a happy fireside chat, in the midst of all I love dearly, 
sometime about the first of May. Ask the young farmer whether it will 
not be best to sow the hack lot with peas., and the low land with barley 
and oats. If he has not been able to get manure on the back lot,this crop 
will be the most profitable there. If the peas are rolled in plaster, and 
plaster sowed over them, the ground will produce a good crop, and will be 
handy to turn in the hogs. The ground should be handsomely turned 
over and lightly harrowed before sowing, or, if it is well plowed, perhaps 
first harrowing will be unnecessary. He should sow twenty bushels upon 
this lot, or at least two bushels to the acre, and get them in as early as 
possible. Three ploughs will soon turn it over. * * * 

Dear Harriot, Washington, March 22, 1820. 

I have only time, after writing to several, to say that an alfair of honor 
took, place this morning between Commodores Decatur and Barron, in 
which both fell at the first fire. The ball entered Decatur's body two 
inches above the hip, and lodged against the opposite side. I just came 
from his house. He yet lives, but will never see another sun. Barron's 
wound is severe, but not dangerous. The ball struck the upper part of 
his hip, and turned to the rear. He is ruined in public estimation. The 
excitement is very great. Kiss all my Coveys for me. In haste. 

Truly yours, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

WasJiington, March 22, 1820, A duel was fought this morning between 
Commodore Stephen Decatur — one of the first oflScers of our navy — the 
pride of his country and Commodore James Barron. Commodore Decatur 



Legacy of Historical Qleanings. 351 

was supported by Com. Rodgers in whose arms he was sustained from the 
battle ground to hid residence. Evening: Com. Decatur still lives. Ilis 
surgeon, however says that he cannot live until morning. I walked to 
his dwelling this afternoon to enquire about him. Everv person in the 
city appears dejected at this unfortunate and melancholy affair. (Jrief 
and sorrow are depicted in the countenances of all, for the fate of poor 
Decatur. Barron is severely wounded and had the ball struck one inch 
above his hip bone instead of on it, he would have been now in the same 
situation with ])ecatur. The quarrel has been of about five months stand- 
ing and grow out of the old Chesapeake affair. J^arron it appears 
applied to coniniand the Columbus. Decatur opposed his application, 
which gave offence to Barron — Com. Bainbridge was the friend to 
Decatur, Captain Elliott the iriend to Barron. They fought at the dis- 
tance of eight paces on the celebrated battle ground near Dladenshur". 
"The fatal wound was given on Wednesday morning and the noble Naval 
Hero expired in agony at 11 o'clock the same night. The sad news of 
the duel created unusual feeling and sensation in the House ; so generally 
was Com. Decatur beloved by the members and so anxious were they to 
hear the particulars, that it was difficult for the speaker to keep them iu 
order. The funeral was attended on the afternoon of Friday 24th with 
every demonstration of respect and due Military honors. The volleys of 
musketry which announced the cousiguuiout of the hero's remains to the 
tomb, sounded as the knell of departed chivalry. Mrs. Decatur was in an 
agony of despair, distressed beyond expression, they have no children. 
Mrs. D. died at Georgetown D. C, in 186U." 

Judge Mc Kown to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, Albany 22nd March 1820. 

You have no doubt seen the report of our Committee of Ways and Means 
on the subject of the Vice President's affair. Last night his ICxcellency, 
the ci-devant and would be (jrovernor, transmitted to the House, a corres- 
pondence which he had entered into with the Committee pending the En- 
quiry. The whole of the Correspondence goes decidedly to shew that he 
bad determined, and such was his object, not to do or say any thing de- 
cidedly on any special part of the subject, but to throw a mint over it, that 
might leave him some kind of pretences of complaint of unlair treatment 
before the Committee. But the strangest thing of all was. that one of his 
minions, it appeared, had got or stolen a private letter written by the 
Chairman of Committee, to one of his Country friends, in which he had 
expressed an opinion pretty harshly against Tompkins, and a copy with the 
official correspondence of the Committee was sent to the House by T — in 
apparent great triumph. But he did not stop here. In ooe of his letters 
to the Committee, which he bad the audacity to send to the house, he said 
substantially, that it was not to be wondered at that the (Jommiltee made 
an unfavorable feport, as some of them had prejudged his case, and that 
the source which appointed them was personally and politically hostile to 
him ! ! Directly insulting the House by saying, in very plain terms, they 
were a set of perjured rascals who had determined to act corruptly aud 
judge partially. How his advisers, who certainly are shrewd men, ever 
permitted Tompkins to overshoot his mark in this way 1 cannot conceive. 
1 must believe he did this without advice of his friends. Every one was 
astonished, and you may suppose the majority of the House was at once 
in a flame. Of cousequeuce they refused to have his communicatiou printed 



352 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

or have any thing to do with it ; and ordered the Clerk to deliver his papers 
to him again. 

Our Committee of enquiry enter on Van Ness conduct, after an inter- 
val of about two weeks, to re-commence the examination of witnesses this 
day. I believe about a dozen new witnesses have arrived from New 
York. I hope we may be able to finish the examination this week. 
„, Ti CI 1 tr n 1 I am Dear Sir, Yours truly, 

The Hon. So. Van Rensselaer^ James McKowN. 

House of llepresentatives, Washington. 

[Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins was vice president of the United States 
under President Monroe; he had many opponents in his political career. 
Still he had many valuable points, and as a firm, efiicient, and zealoup 
friend to his country, in times of great difficulty and need, he was not 
excelled. He died in the year 1825. Judge William W. Van Ness was 
strangely misunderstood ; but now that the feverish state of things has 
passed away, and selfishness no longer warps the minds of men regarding 
those events in a most remarkable period of time, full justice is awarded 
to as noble a man as ever lived. He ever was distinguished for his high 
intellectual endowments and his courteous bearing in all the relations of 
life, and the voice of history mourns over the strange infatuation that then 
prevailed.] 

Oov. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany, 27th March, 1820. 

I have received a copy of Van Buren's famous letter on the " Rascally 
P. Masters." It is equally off"ensive to grammar and truth. It is per- 
fectly satisfactory and will produce a great efi"ect. When were the P. 
Masters mentioned in his letter removed? They are — Holt of Her- 
kimer — Howell of Bath — Smith of Little Falls — Chamberlin of Oxford. 
Why is Holt retained if so ? I had a hint about the maueuvre to remove 
P. Masters in Jefferson and have written to your Colleague, William D. 
Ford, on the subject. As letters on file are public documents, why not 
boldly request a copy — let it by all means be attended to. An idea of 
importance has struck me. Suppose that you and a Colleague desired a 
private interview with the President [James Monroe,] stated the conduct 
of the P. M. General in removing Post Masters on the eve of the elec- 
tion — that it was reported that tbis measure had met his approbation. 
Tbat you wished to give a liberal support to his administration and to 
guard him against misrepresenta«tion, that you respectfully desired to 
know whether he had or had not sanctioned and whether he did or did 
not approve of the measure. In either case it was due to his candor and 
magnanimity to remove all doubt on this at once. If I were with you I 
would do this at once. If he denied, it will be well, if he admits, then 
the charge can be brought directly home to him. If he is silent so much 
the better. In all respects the step is proper, decorous and respectful ; 
will do you honor and is worthy of a Representative of the people. 

Col. J^ivingston, of Saratoga has a claim which has been transmitted to 
the Speaker. Will you tell him to notice it and to write to his consti- 
tuents frequently. He stands well there and our friends are making 
favorable liomonstrations in that quarter. Cramer is full of bitter de- 
nunciations against the Speaker. Our accounts from the Counties are 
very favorable. 1 am yours truly, 

DeVVitt Clinton. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer — In Congress, Washington. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 353 

" April 6, 1820. Report of the Coraniittee in the Case of Jiidj^c Van 
Ness. After a \on'^. faithful, and impartial invcstij^'ation, the committee 
appointed for the purpose of examinini: the official conduct of the Hon. 
William W. Van Ness, made their satisfactory Report to the State hefjis- 
lature, and we feel a sincere gratification in saying, that the elevated 
character of our judiciary stands unimpaired, and the reputation and in- 
tegrity of one of its most useful ornaments, untouched and unsullied. 
The report although brief, is full, satisfactory and conclusive. He haa 
passed through the ordeal unharme<l — and that too, at a period of party 
excitement almost without a parallel. Every engine that party ra<'o, 
wealth, and influence could command, has been set on motion to impeach 
his conduct — with certain charges preferred against him by the editors 
of the American — but, after the strictest scrutiny NoTni.NO couM ho 
proved against him. On the contrary his Innook.noe has been completely 
established, and the purity of the bench declared by the unanimous voice 
of the people through their representatives. We congratulate the public 
upon the honorable exculpation of this distinguished citizen, and brilliant 
ornament of the bench." 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Harriot, Washington, April 20, 1820. 

Instead of the first of May, I fear in consequence of the arrival of the 
Spanish Minister, Congress will not adjourn until the eighth. The Patroon 
is with us, and is much improved in health, is also in very good spirits. 
He is highly pleased and gratified with the standing and conduct of his 
Aid, and very affectionate to him ; my neat quarters he is pleased with &c. 

Mr. Gracey of New York — llodgers of the same place, together with 
Greigg from Ontario and the Patroon dined with me yesterday ; we had 
a neat, substantial dinner and pleasant jovial little party. Last night I 
introduced them into the Queen's drawing-room, she was a Miss Kortright, 
distinguished alike for her beauty and accomplishments, and to night we 
take tea with Mrs. Senator Brown, an old ac({uaintance from Kentucky. 
The Patroon leaves this on Saturday, would to heavens, I could accompany 
him, but fear we shall not adjourn until the eighth of May, if we do then. 
I regret our dear little patient Mat suff"ers so much, I was in hopes .«ho 
was better. Tell her and the little one, I will bring them each a doll, an 
orange and sugar-plums — kiss them for me. 

. Washington, May 4th. You will see my dear Wife, by these papers, 
that both Houses of Congress have agreed to adjourn on the 15th Instant. 
Although the day is more distant than I could wish, yet I am delighted 
to know the time when I shall press to my heart those I love so dearly. 

Affectionately Yours, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs, Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

Just before the hour of meeting on Friday evening May 12th, an inci- 
dent took place in the chamber of representatives, worthy of note, from 
not having been fatal in its consequences. The chain by which was 
suspended the massive brass chandelier, hanging in the center of the hall, 
gave way, as one of the attendants on the house was lighting the lamps, and 
fell with a force proportioned to its great weight. The servant was thrown 
some distance from the ladder, and escaped unhurt; and, although the mem- 

45 



354 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

bers were feathering fast in the hall, and the fragments of the chandelier 
covered a considerable space, it happened the seats iuiniediately within its 
reach were not yet occupied, and no member was seriously hurt. A more 
providential escape can scarcely be imagined, the weight of the chandelier 
beino- several hundred pounds. The chandelier was imported from Eng- 
land^ and cost 1, 300 dollars. 

The first session of the sixteenth congress, was terminated, about four 
o'clock in the afternoon of May 15th, by the adjournment of the two houses 
until the second Monday of November next, being the 13th day of the 
month. The session closed in perfect harmony. No session of congress 
has been marked by more deliberation and coolness in its closing scene. 

Monday, Nov. 13, 1820, the second session of the sixteenth congress 
be^an. Wednesday Nov. 15. The house then again proceeded by ballot 
to the election of a speaker, and upon an examination of the twenty-second 
ballot, it appeared that John W. Taylor, one of the representatives from 
the state of New York, was duly elected Speaker, 

In Senate on November 15, 1820. " Kesolved that his excellency, the 
"■overnor be requested to lay before the senate all the information that he 
may possess in relation to that part of his speech which alludes to the 
jrcneral government, or its officers, ' as an organized and disciplined corps 
in our elections.' 

Ordered, That the clerk deliver a copy of said resolution to his excel- 
lency the governor. By order, 

John F. Bacon, Clerk. 
To the Senate, 

Gentlemen : Fully appreciating the patriotic solicitude of the senate to 
prevent all unwarrantable intrusions in the political affairs of the state, I 
have received their application for information on this subject with plea- 
sure, and I shall, in due time make them a communication, which, I trust, 
will be satisfactory in its nature and salutary in its tendency. 

Albany, Nov. 16, 1820. DeWitt Clinton. 

Oov. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany 18 Nov., 1820. 

Can you procure for me a statement of the whole number of Post Offices 
in this State, and the aggregate of compensation ? 

We have received the President's Message, but no account, as yet, of 
the Election of Speaker in Mr. Clay's place. It is to be hoped that Tay- 
lor [John \V. Taylor] has succeeded. Our Legislature are yet in Session. 
Everything is working right. Yours Sincerely, 

DeWitt Clinion. 

Honorable Sol. Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

Charles G. Haines to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
< Dear General, New York Nov. 20, 1820. 

The recent triumph of Northern politics has imparted joy and congrat- 
ulations, among all our friends in this City. To you great Credit is given. 
We feel confident that you boldly and persevcringly led the way to victory, 
and animated the courage of the timid and desponding. Next comes the 
Missouri Constitution. For God's sake stand firm, and reject this odious 
and abominable instrument. If it is received by Congress in its present 
shape, I would not give a single farthing for the American Confederacy. 
It will be trampled under foot, openly violated, and virtually destroyed. 
There is a great sensibility here on this subject. A few of us, including 



Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 355 

all parties combining men of candor and reason, met on Saturday Kvi-ninj^ 
last to consult on the propriety of calling a general meeting ; but upon 
the whole, after full debate, it was concluded nut to do it. liut we stand 
strong, firm and resolute. If Civil War and divi.sion of the Union come, 
so be it! Kathor have these, than the extended horrors of Slavery. How 
do the Southern People feel ? If we do our duty, nothing can resist the 
tide of Northern feeling and Northern independence that has set in. The 
Bucktails stand mute and thunderstruck. My opinion is, that Governor 
Clinton's Administration stands stronger than it did one year ago, by many 
thousands. Our triumph next Spring is certain if we do any thing worthy 
of our cause. In all your operations at Washington, I hofe nothing will 
be said of making Mr. Clinton our President. My feelings towards him 
you know and God knows; but we must embrace the whole ground, and 
this cannot be done, if we build upon the name and merits of any particu- 
lar individual. This is Gov. Clinton's own opinion, as well as my own. 
Do let me hear from you and send me any Documents that may be interest- 
ing. When will Crawford make his Report? 

With great respect and esteem. 
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cu. G. Haines. 

Member U. S. Congress, Washington. 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, Albany Nov. 20, 1820. 

I regret that I was disappointed in not seeing you in N. York. I called 
several times at your Hotel and you was out. 

Mr Taylor's election shews that the North have Strength, if united. 
We had a tumultuous Session, parties very violent. I pray that when they 
assemble again, they will be more moderate. Make my respects to Mr. 
Calhoun and remind him of the Son of the old Soldier who wishes a place 
at West Point; he is now at our Academy and improves in Mathematics 
daily ; his name is S. V.ll. Ryan. Rev. Dr. Bradford's defence was opened 
yesterday by Mr. Henry in very strong language. I thought it had an 
effect. Make my respects to Mr. Reecher, Brush and rest of your old mess. 
I hope to see you in January for a few days. Your friend. 

S. V. Ren.sselaek. 

Major Geul. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. Congress, Washington. 

Gov. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany 22 Nov., 1820. 

The Session has passed over to the mortification of the Jacobins. The 
Convention bill was modeled for the express purpose of sustaining them 
in power — Election in February — Session in June. You ought to write 
toallyour friends urging them to active exertions. The victory is certainly 
ours if we act nobly. Th election of Speaker is very gratifying. I see in 
Force's National Calender that compensation is still allowed to the Col- 
lectors of Internal Revenue. Is this true ? Write to me on the subject. 
Can you furnish me with any evidence about the interference of Jacobins. 
in state concerns ? Yours Truly — C — 

Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

"The legislature of 1820 was one of the most remarkable in many re- 
spects eve^ convened in this State. Do Witt Clinton, as governor, had 
such a large majority of the members who were personal friends of his and 



356 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

pledged to support his canal policy, that it was familiarly called the 
'Clintonian House.' 

'•Additional interest is also attached to this legislature from the fact of 
the impeachment, trial and triumphant acquital of the Judge W. W. Van 
Ness, of Claverack, Columbia county, in the conduct of which the names 
of Erastus Hoot, Thomas J. Oakley and'Elisha Williams figure conspicu- 
ously, and which called out the famous mathematical speech of Mr. Hoot, 
as well as some of the most brilliant speeches ever heard in the old Assem- 
bly Chamber." 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Wife.f Washington Nov. 24, 1820. 

The Mail has removed from my heart a load, which I have sustained 
with' difficulty, and the next I hope will entirely remove. Our dear 
Adeline's letter is before me, if your sore finger only prevents your not writ- 
ing, and not sickness, I am satisfied, but let me beg of you to remove anx- 
iety as soon as possible. 

Every thing is going on well here, we have received one great victory 
in the choice of Speaker, which like the Allies over Bonaparte, has given 
our ranks confidence ; and I hope and believe we will put down the 
Missouri Cont^titution. Our opposers treat us with great civility, for they 
have been made to understand that they are men no better than ourselves, 
and that their blustering and swaggering will be promptly met. I have 
received several congratulatory letters from the City of New York in which 
they do me more credit than I deserve, for doing my duty. I wish our 
friends to act mildly, but they shall not yield one inch of ground if I can 
prevent them, and rest assured they as well as our opposers have the full- 
est confidence in my firmness. Carter sends the Statesmen regularly to 
me and I send you the paper of this place. Kiss our good and afi"ection- 
ate children lor me ; let one or the other write by every mail, if only three 
lines they will be more acceptable than I can get from others. 

Unalterably Yours, 

Mrs. Solomon Van Eensselaer, Albany. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

The slavery question, as connected with the Missouri Constitution^ at 
this time, distracted the whole country. "Good citizens were appalled, 
and painful feelings were inspired that the traffic in public offices became 
the most formidable auxiliary of the supremacy of the slave oligarchy, 
many were controlled by it, almost despotically. The politicians of the 
tory and slavery school would never have had such a long lease of power, 
if they had not been able to hold out the bait of office to their most unscru- 
pulous camp followers, from their acquired influences." The speaker, 
Henry Clay wrote to John J. Crittenden as follows: " The Missouri sub- 
ject monopolizes all our^conversation, all our thoughts and, for three weeks 
at least, to come, will occupy all our time. Nobody seems to think of or 
care about anything else. The issue of the question in the House of Repre- 
sentatives is doubtful. I am inclined to think that it will be finally com- 
promised." 

James W. Barbour in a letter to the same person says : " you have been 
relieved from one of the most irksome tasks I have ever experienced, the 
discu.ssion of the Missouri question. Who could have thought, last session, 
that the little spn/c we then saw was to be swelled into the importance it has 
now assumed, and that upon its decision depended the duration of the 
Union? The dissolution is one of the alternatives spoken of, rather than 



Legacy' of Historical Gleanings. 357 

submit to the spirit of aggression which marks the course of our nnfngo- 
nists. A proposition has now been maiJc for a cunipromise, the aniuml- 
ment proposed by Thomas, whicli, I believe, unplcaf*uut as it is, will be ac- 
ceded to, as a lesser evil than either dividing the Union, or throwing it 
into confusion. The yrcut movers ot this (juestion are against all compro- 
mise." 

N. H. Carter to Oen. Van Rennselaer. 

Dear Sir, Albiiny, 24th Nov. 1820. 

By your politeness and that of your friend Dr. Bay, who called at ray 
room on Wednesday Evening, I had the pleasure of reading your Ia,-*t 
letter ; and now take the liberty to express to you the 8ati.sfaction I de- 
rived from a perusal of its contents. Permit me to reciprocate your 
congratulations on the election of the Speaker — Mr. Taylor. It is indeed 
a glorious triumph, in whatever point of view we «onsider it, whether a.s 
citizens of this State — of the Northern States — or as friends of our own 
Executive. The intelligence created a burst of joy among us all. and 
utter dismay among our opponents. The Post-Office was thronged for an 
hour bei'ore the mail was opened, and every one stood on tip toe, while 
waiting for the news of Taylor's fate. There was a great collection at 
Cook's Reading Room; and when it was announced that Taylor had suc- 
ceeded, some of " the high-minded gentlemen" gave vent to their feelini,'s 
of disappointment and chagrin. William A. Duer, John A. King, and 
Gulian Verjjlank publicly denounced Mr. Taylor as a man of no talent.s, 
no qualifications for the office, and a miserable tool of l)e Witt Clinton ! 
But as our friend Van Buren says, this will have a good effect, and indeed 
its effects are already visible. 

It gave me sincere pleasure to learn that you had called on the Post 
Master General, and demanded a sight of the letter of Van Buren about 
the " Rascally Post Masters." I want to see this subject probed to the 
bottom, that we may know precisely on whose shoulders the responsibility 
rests. You will greatly oblige me by communicating any information 
you may be able to obtain in relation to this transaction. You will see by 
the Statesman of to-day, that the proceedings of the legislature have pro- 
duced a very great degree ol' political excitement in this State. Albany 
is in a complete ferment. Men who have been neutral heretofore, now 
speak out. I am told that Mr. A. Van Vechten has to day expressed 
himself very decidedly against the outrageous proceedings of the Senate 
and Assembly. Public sentiment, so fiir as I can learn, is in favor of the 
Governor and the Council of Revision. Depend on it, the inteinporato 
proceedings at the close of the Session will recoil on the liucktail party, 
and produce a strong reaction in our favour. Governor (Jlinton is firm 
and unshaken as Atlas, and our friends will manfully breast tlienisclves 
to the shock. We will " in due time' defeat our opponents, and gain a 
glorious triumph. 

I had the pleasure of passing last evening in company with your dau^'h- 
ters at Judge Spencer's, and lest they should not write you, I have the 
satisfaction to add, that your family and friends are in good health. If 
you find a leisure moment to spare, I need not tell you, that a line from 
you would be very gratefully received. I have the honor to be very 
respectfully and sincerely. Your friend and obedt. servt. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, N. II. Cahter. 

House of Representatives, Washington City. 



358 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Charles G. Haines to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, , New York- Nov. 28, 1820. 

I return you many thanks for your kind letter. I reciprocate the noble 
sentiments which it breathes, with pride and with pleasure. Lowndes Re- 
port has reached us. It excites astonishment, and kindles indignation. I 
never saw a more pitiful, stupid Document. It calls down execrations on 
the head of the honorable Chairman. [Hon. William Lowndes of South 
Carolina one of the Committee in charge of the Missouri constitution.] 
We stand better in this State, in my opinion, than we did a month ago. 
The Bucktails are aidingour cause by their violence and Jacobinism. The 
Council of Revision are right, Woodworth shamefully deserted us. I think 
that Adams is gaining ground, and Crawford losing his hold. The South- 
ern people will kill him. Stand firm and God bless you! 

Sincerely yours, Ch. G. Haines. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. 

Governor Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Pear Sir, Albany 29 November, 1820. 

In Buel's paper, of last Spring, there is a letter from the Post Master- 
General to Mr. Martin Van Buren in answer to a complaint about "Ras- 
cally Post Masters, " which letter of complaint does not appear. Now it 
is important to have the whole correspondence, which can be done only by 
the consent of the P. M G. or by a call of Congress. The preceding let- 
ters of Van Buren will fix a connexion and give a character to the whole 
transaction. Charles wrote to you about the allegation in the Argus re- 
specting the Speaker. This ought to be met. It will injure him essen- 
tially and not the Governor. Great eflPorts are making to frustrate him. 
Cramer swears vengeance &c. Every thing is proceeding nobly in our 
quarter. Yours Sincerely 

De Witt Clinton. 
Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Harriot, Washington Dec. 1, 1820. 

I feel much fatigued but cannot let the mail close without informing 
you that I reached this place this evening in perfect health and without 
injury, although our stage turned over twice between New York aad Phil- 
adelphia without detriment to any one. And to day, when within a few 
miles of this city, the tung broke and we were nearly going over a bridge 
of about 12 or 14 feet high j the stage was full, and for a time we were 
doubtful of our personal safety, but all escaped destruction, and nothing 
was injured but one of the horses. It has been a tedious ride, jolting over 
very bad roads, though we had the satisfaction of scanning the fine scenery 
and enjoying the jollity of pleasant companions. I again occupy my old 
room where every thing is snug and comfortable for me. 

Your affectionate Husband, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

F. Pell to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, New York Deer. 1, 1820. 

You have doubtless long ere this received the warm expression of thanks 
from our friends in this City for your intrepid and independent conduct 
in res|)ect to the Letter. It gave us all a spur here, and since that time 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 359 

wc have been very alert in collecting information. I believe the Governor 
will give them a stomacher. Never were our I'riemJs in better heart than 
at this moment. We hear of no defections. The oftice holders know they 
will bo turned out if they persevere, and not a man Jlinches from his post. 
The Tammanies are to have a great meeting to night at Tammany Hall, 
to denounce, and urge a Convention. 

Our friends met last night in confidence, appointed a committee to pre- 
pare resolutions and an address for a general meeting to be called, ap- 
proving the conduct of the Council of Revision, and 1 have no doubt we 
shall have an overwhelming meeting in the course of ten or twelve days 
Be assured the Southern distrust will show a difforcnt tone next spring. 
All our friends hope the (juestion on the MinsDitri Bill will be hard pre^8ed. 
It is idle now to talk of conciliation — nothing but sheer strength must 
carry the day — and we are only waiting a fair signal to second the attack. 
That signal must come from Washington. I am collecting information 
here about the Navy Yard at Brooklyn — and am under the impression 
that a large sum of money is expended and a considerable body of men 
in the Service of the U. S. employed there steadily. Of the men I can 
learu here, but not of the amount of money. What I want is, the annual 
expense, and the purposes to which it is applied. Can you aflord me any 
aid, through the Naval Committee or otherwise i* If I could also get the 
amount expended in this harbour for the support of the troops, and of 
the officers through whose hands it passes, it may be turned here to good 
accouut. We are determined to sift this matter of government interfer- 
ence to the bottom, and we shall show, why the City of New York is so 
hostile to Governor Clinton. We shall follow it up all winter, and if pos- 
sible trace the channel through which every dollar passes. I shall bo 
obliged by any communication from you ; and any hints you may suggest 
of the course to be pursued here, will be attended to. 

I am Dear Sir, Very respty. Yours, 

Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Washington. Ferris Pell. 

Gov. Clinton to Ocn. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Albany 80 December, 1820. 

After the compliments of the New Year, I am desirous of acknowledging 
the receipt of Several interesting communications from you. Munell has 
also come safely to h:^nd. The proof I think, will be satisfactory to the 
whole Nation. No well informed man denies the existence of extraneous 
influence, but it has been a very laborious work to collect testimony. 

I want to know the expense of >I. S. Miller's abortive attempt to nego- 
tiate with the Seneca Indians two or three years ago. His compensation — 
that of his Secretary and other incidental expenses, as specific as possible. 
As one of the Military Committee you are peculiarly entitled to this. The 
Governor will have to make a direct attack on the P. .M.tieneral. Facta 
will warrant it, and it is absolutely necessary. How far will he be autho- 
rized to implicate the Head of the Executive in the execution of Van 
Buren's Mandate ? Depend on it — we are doing well — and we improve 
every day. Whatever you have to communicate, let it bo done immedi- 
ately 

The Honorable 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

" There is a species of curiosity which, in great and cultivated minds, 
leads to substantial good and lasting benefit to the community because 



360 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

cases of corruption are gaining strength and should be investigated. It is 
never right to countenance a departure from those safe and sure princi- 
ples of moral rectitude which have stood the test of time and received the 
approbation of the good." 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Ids Wife. 
My Pear Harriet, Washington, Jany 17, 1821. 

Our House sat until after sunset to day. General Smyth's substitute 
for our bill was rejected by a very large Majority. The question was to 
strike out the first Section of the Bill to reduce the Army — which was in 
effect to destroy it, this wily maneuver, however, was negatived by an 
overwhelming Majority. The Bill is entitled " An act to reduce and fix 
the military peace establishment of the United States." It is to cut down 
the Army to one Brig. Genl. and six thousand men, and of course will 
pass. Yesterday — Tuesday 16th — another member from Kentucky — 
Henry Clay — appeared and took his seat, no doubt to labor for the ad- 
mission of iMissouri into the Union with her constitution to legalize slavery 
and perpetuate that cursed institution. Jacob H. De Witt is still very 
weak, but out of danger. * * * 

[" Mr. Clay, with all his power, urged the admission, on the ground that 
to 3Iissouri alone belonged the subject of her domestic slavery; declaring 
at the same time, that, so great was his detestation of the system, were he 
a citizen of that state, he would never consent to a State Constitution 
which should not provide for its extinction.] After the adoption of the 
'Missouri Compromise' of 1820 that 'Pandora's box,' which held the 
seeds of deadliest mischief and misery the whole country fell into a deep 
slumber over the question of slavery. The fires of discussion and agitation, 
which had blazed so fiercely and furiously during the Missouri struggle, 
had died out, and been followed by a general stupor so profound that the 
few persons who still ' remembered that God was just, and that his justice 
would not sleep forever ' were paralyzed by discouragement and fearful 
foreboding of e.vil days to come." 

Judge Van Ness to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Friend, Claverack, 24th Jany., 1821. 

It has been my intention to write to you for many weeks, but I have 
been so much engaged and in so many different ways that I have not had 
time to attend to it. Your letters directed to me, while I was at New 
York, were all duly received, and I return you my best acknowledgments 
for them. I would have written from New York, but I was so incessantly 
engaged, that I had no opportunity to frame such a letter as I wished to 
address to you, and as you would expect to receive. The vote on the 
Mis.'iouri Constitution was a proud victory of principle over cupidity and 
selfishness. It has done more to restore the North to its just weight and 
influence in the National Councils than any event which has occurred for 
twenty years. Let us but be faithful to ourselves in the further progress of 
this ((uestion and we shall be redeemed from the contempt which was 
brought upon us by that miserable Sycophant who betrayed us to the 
lords of the South, to enable him to subserve his own purposes. I allude 
to that smallest of small men Daniel D. Tompkins. He has done more 
to disgrace the character of the North than all the other men who con- 
spired together to barter away our rights to the usurpers at Washington. 
In looking over the proceedings of your house, lately, I contess that I am 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 3G1 

not without my fears that you will And yourselves in a minority, on the 
final vote, respectinj^ Missouri, T roully think you have delayed this 
subject too lon<r. It is much to be apprehended that the weij,dit of the 
Cabinet will prove to have been too successfully and fatally exerted on- 
this vital question — it should have been disposed of lont; aj,'o when you 
felt and were certain of your strenj^'th. The report of the Military Com- 
mittee commands my entire approbation, and I venture to say, its passage 
will be supported by every eulightenpd Statesman in all the independent 
States. The Army and Navy with their endless train of dependents, 
have done more to place the State Authorities under vassala^'e, to tho 
General Government, than all other causes combined. It is time the 
machinery at Washington should be simplified, that the enormous patron- 
age of the national administration should be curtailed, that abuses should 
be exposed and reformed, that public expenditure should bo retrenched, 
and that a few men there should no longer be permitted, at tho expense 
of the nation, to perpetuate their own authority and importance. Tho 
enormous expenses of both the Army and Navy arc no longer tolerable, 
we are growing poor both as a government and as individuals, and our 
means are inadequate to the maintenance of the worse than useless mili- 
tary establishments which now exist. 

The opposition to the State administration here is becoming more and 
more violent and unprincipled. I think, however, they have pitched 
their key much too high, and that many reflecting men have hocoino 
terrified at the excesses which have lately been committed. You have 
no conception of the extent to which the Majority in the Legislature in- 
tended to have gone, if they had succeeded in getting a party Convention. 
The firmness of the Governor and Council of Revision has saved the 
Government, and I am perfectly satisfied that their conduct is approved 
by a vast majority of the people. Let the Dominant party but go on with 
removals and appointments and there will be a larger majority with tho 
Governor in the Legislature next winter, than he has had any time since 
his Election. What do you think of the message of the Governor to tho 
Assembly, respecting the interference of the U. S. Officers with our 
local elections? It is a noble State paper, worthy of its Author, and which 
will produce more good than any thing that has been said or written since 
1800. The Bucktails are outrageous, and in absolute dismay. They had 
no conception of such an exposure. I should like to know what impres- 
sion this message makes at Washington. If I am not mistaken, President 
Monroe will never cease to regret that he has lent himself to Martin Van 
Buren and his coadjutors. We feel well about our own affairs. The 
Governor commands, more and more, the confidence of all the reflecting 
portion of the people. As the views of his opponents are unfolded, tho 
more general becomes the conviction that the peace and welfare of tho 
State is identified with his continuance in office. I was a good deal 
alarmed at a report, which was circulated in Albany, that you was sick. 
Your family was very much terrified, but their fears as well as my own 
were allayed before I left Albany. How does Henry R. Storrs act? to 
what party does he profess to belong ? How very foolishly this young 
man has thrown himself away. Make my best respects to my friend 
James Strong, he is a good and true man. What has become of my friend 
John D. Dickenson and family"::' I have not heard from him this winter. 
One word more and my paper is full. Afl'cctionately Yours, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. W. W. Van Ness. 
4G 



362 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

Qov. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Pear Sir, Albany, 31 January, 1821. 

1 think that you had better forward the returns of which you speak in 
your letter, as soon as possible. Root [Erastus Root] is muzzled by the 
promise of being your successor. The whole State is alive for office, and 
next week will exhibit a scene of office-hunting, heretofore unknown in 
the anuals of the Community. 

I am in favor of retrenchment because I believe that the pecuniary 
pressure of the Country requires it, and because I conceive that the 
national admini.stration have grossly abused their patronage for the pur- 
pose of individual aggrandizement. When Mr. Calhoun gave in 
his project for the reduction of the army, he knew the chances for a 
general retrenchment. I am very unwilling, however, to carry this System 
too far or to such an extent as to exalt unworthy men, or to injure the 
substantial defence of the Country, You know my opinion of Scott. And 
my high estimation of Brown and Jackson. [Maj. Gens. Jacob Brown 
and Andrew Jackson.] Calhoun is unquestionably the only great man in 
the cabinet, the only one possessed of an intuitive mind. On military 
principles you ought to retain one Major General at least. 

You may let Colonel Pell see this letter, and I will thank you to hand 
him the accompanying. Yours truly, 

The Honorable, Solomon Van Rensselaer, D. W. C. 

In Congress, Washington. 

Judge Van Ness to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Friend, Claverack 7th Feb. 1821. 

I perceive that you have again had the Missouri question under discus- 
sion. My solicitude on this subject increases the more I reflect upon it. 
I perceive Mr. Clay has taken a part in the debate, and I presume it was 
with a view to this question that he came to Washington. He is an able 
man, and I understand a clever fellow, but I hope he may not be able to 
delude any of the friends of freedom in this momentous subject. I fear 
not his eloquence or arguments, however, half as much as I do the over- 
whelming influence of the Cabinet. Press a final decision of this afi"air, 
as soon as you can. I have no doubt the friends of the resolution will 
endeavor to protract the discussion, so as to defeat a rejection of it by the 
present Congress, in the hopes that they may have a better chance with 
the next. You must bear in mind too, that we have no right to calculate 
upon so unanimous a vote of the next delegation from this State. Several 
Bucktails will be elected in districts now represented by firm and in- 
dependent men. I have seen with great satisfaction that t/ our Army bill 
has passed the House of Representatives by a triumphant majority. This 
augurs well — one source of corruption will I hope now be cut up. Until 
within a i'ew days, I never read the bill — and I was not therefore fully 
apprised of all its details. It has occurred to me on examining it, that it 
is hardly in the nature of things that such a thorough reform can be 
efiected at a single stroke. The whole influence of the Army will now be 
exerted to prevail upon the Senate to introduce such modifications into the 
bill as to produce a reconsideration of the whole project in your house. 
The Senate seeing the immense majority by which the bill was sent to 
them, will no doubt be cautious; but that some material amendments will 
be made — I can hardly doubt. The majority of the Senate are more 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 363 

purely party men than in the house of Representatives — they are hotter 
disciplined — and the power of the cabinet can be brought to bear upon 
them with better effect, and greater facility than upon the more nunjeroun 
branch of the legislature. True wisdom and policy would seem therefore 
to dictate a mild and temperate, but at the same time a firm course to your 
house. 

It would be expedient to adopt such amendments proposed by the 
Senate, as do not essentially affect the principles of the bill, as you have 
passed it. I mean such amendments as your honor and your duty will 
allow you to sanction. Any alteration calculated to divide your friends 
and in the end to frustrate your whole plan should be promptly and in- 
dignantly rejected. By attempting to affect too much, I have fre<|uently 
found that a whole measure has been jeopardised and sometimes l(jst. On 
reading a New York paper, a day or two ago, I observe that a fear ex- 
pressed that in case of the discharge of the Major Generals, the Command 
of the whole Army will be committed to Gen. Scott — of whom you know 
I entertain the utmost contempt. Now suppose the Senate should pro- 
pose that one, or both the Major Generals should be retained, what would 
it be proper for your house to do '( 1 am speaking of a subject I confu.«i.s 
which I do not profess to understand half as well as you do, and thereftre 
speak with diffidence. It seems to me, however, in the event I have 
supposed, that the house ought to recede, provided you are satisfied the 
Senate is in earnest, and resolved to suffer the whole measure to fall to 
the ground unless this point shall be yielded to them. Indeed it rather 
appears to me that there is a propriety in having an Officer at the head 
of the Army of superior rank. If the Senate should insist that the Com- 
mander-in chief should be a Major General, the question arises whether 
in preference to hazarding the whole bill this proposition should not be 
conceded. On these points however, you are better able to form just con- 
clusions than I am, and whatever you may judge to be best calculated to 
promote the public interest, and to establish a just economy, you will find 
your friends will approbate. Jjct me hear from you on this subject. I 
go to Albany to the Court of Errors, in a day or two, and will you direct 
your letters to that place. Martin Van Buren was yesterday, no doubt, 
elected to the Senate of the U S., in the place of Sanford. The latter 
in the Bucktail Caucus had 24 votes and V. B. 5S. Had Sanford's friends 
been true to him, he might have been chosen with the utmost ca.se. 1 
suspect our friends have not even voted for hiua. They probably have 
thrown away their votes upon a man, they will find, who has a decided 
political character. The new Council meets today and the ue.vt mail will 
probably bring you the news of your removal, as Adjutant General, and 
of Roots appointment in your place. Rely upon it the next Election will 
Bet every thing right again. Most affectionately Yours, 

/^ o 1 ^r T, 1 Tiff r^ TTT u- » W. VV. Vax Ness. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. 

God. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, Albany 14th Feb. 1821. 

I have received your three packages of Military Returns by this day's 
mail. 

Your removal, from Adjutant General, is generally and justly obnox- 
ious. There is no doubt of your re-nomination fur Congress, and there is 
no doubt but that the proceedings of the Council h.ivc prostrated the faction. 

Charles E. Dudley is appointed Mayor of Albany. All their aj. point- 



364 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ments are injudicious and many of them very Scandalous. The dis- 
satisfaction among the Bucktails is general. We think that the Army 
ought to stand on the Senate Bill : so say all judicious friends. John Brush 
a valuable friend wishes the appointment of Post Master in Poughkeepsie. 
He has a brother in your house from Ohio, Can you promote the object 
and confer with him on this subject? Yours Sincerely, 

De Witt Clinton. 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, in Congress,. Washington. 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to Ms Wife. 
My Dear Harriot, Washington Feb. 17. 1821. 

Before the Mail closes, I must acknowledge the receipt of Mag's, Ade- 
line's and your letter of 11th Inst, dismiss my love, all fears about me. 
I am in perfect health and only wish for the happy moment when I shall 
embrace you : this life of separation is a horrid one to me. If I return to 
this place, I pray to God to be enabled to bring you with me. I shall 
then be perfectly happy, and make you so too ; my every happiness is 
centred in you; you first warmed my heart, which Icwe has increased with 
time until you have became part of myself. I now feel in high spirits 
that two weeks from this day will close the Session. ^^ ;(; :j: 

Chas. O. Haines to Gen. Van Rensselaer. ' 
Dear Genl. New York, 27 Feb., 1821. 

You will this day receive a Letter from a Committee, requesting in- 
formation as to your return to this City from Washington. A public 
Dinner has been decreed to you, and on no ground must you shrink or 
disappoint us. I had the honor of bringing forward the proposition to a 
number of highly respectable Citizens at Washington Hall, and it was re- 
ceived with unbounded enthusiasm. It has gone through the City and 
inspired the same elevated and honourable feelings. This will not be a 
party Dinner. The Committee of Arrangements are taken from various 
quarters. It will be strictly a citizens dinner, and one of the most re- 
spectable that has ever been given in this City. Our political prospects 
are glorious. With one bold effort we can prostrate the Jacobins. I am 
glad to see the old North behave so nobly on the Missouri question. 
Stand firm : God and the Nation are with you. Again I say, you must 
not disappoint your friends. Sincerely Yours, 

Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Washington, Chas. G. Haines. 

The Missouri Compromise allowed slavery south of 36° 30' north lati- 
tude, and in that state. " Missouri had applied for admission. The ques- 
tion arose should she be admitted as a slave state ? After a strong debate, 
it Was decided that slavery should be tolerated in Missouri, but prohibited 
in all the territory of the United States north and west of Arkansas. 

" March 8, 1821. A resolution providing for the admission of the state 
of Missouri into the Union on a certain condition was approved and signed 
by the president." 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. 
My dear Harriet, * Washington, March 8, 1821. 

We have this evening finished the Missouri question, and have been 
beaten by a Majority of Three. The subject was so warmly contested that 
to allay the terrible storm, that was brewing with danger to the Union, 
Mr. Clay proposed the " Missouri Compromise,'' which allows slavery in 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 365 

that State even after admitted, but prohibits it north of 30° 30'. The 
contciuptil.le bar<;aining Yankeo.s were frightened by the braggiidocio 
Southern Nabobs, some bolted, and others voted against us. They nn; :i 
despicable set, and instead of governing, which they hud the opportunity 
to do, they gave all up. They are not fit for negro drivers to tlie {)L't.pre 
of the South, and even they despi.se such vacillation and political servi- 
tude. I am respected even by the Southerners because I have ever 
opposed them manfully. We would have defeated the whole clique, had 
the three members from our State acted as firmly as they said thoy would, 
never to give up the question whatever might bo the ct)nsef|uence. Tho.so 
three firm men : Caleb Tompkins (a brother of the Vice-President) 
Walter Case and Flarmanus Peck of Schenectady bolted upon the la.st 
question. "We sat without dinner every day this week until nine o'clock 
at night. Our caucus, in which a strenuous cflort was vigorously put 
forth against Slavery in any shape whatsoever, might have won honorable 
fame to itself, and greatly benefited the country if they had only acted 
with firmness and courtesy. But with an impetuous and inconsiderate 
rashness our Government is being placed in an attitude of peril, and from 
this critical emergency we have tried to save her by wholesome measures 
which have been frustrated. Mr. Clay as a sagacious counsellor and 
statesman has exerted his influence to bring around the [iractical measure 
upon which this amicable agreement between the North and South has 
now been adjusted, and the honor, if there is any in this aflair, belongs 
to him for a successful issue to his well meant efforts. The House docs 
not meet tomorrow, therefore I shall take a ride on horseback for ten or 
twelve miles out into the country. I have been so much confined that I 
much need the diversion, but I am in perfect health of body, (inly just 
heartily home-sick and never wished so much to see you; but it is impossi- 
ble to say when that wished for moment will arrive. W^rite me how 
Tompkins and politics come on ; about my friend Judge Van Ness &c., 
with all the items of home news. I received Adeline's letter ye.sterday, 
and one to day from a Gentleman saying he had attended our girls splendid 
party, and that all the guests were pleased. This gentleman is Peter 
Gansevoort; I wish much I could have made one of the happy number. 
Good night my Love, kiss our little ones fur me and big ones too. Helieve 
me unalterably your affectionate Husband. SoL. Van Klnsselaer. 
Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

" The admission of Missouri as a state into the Union, was made, by 
its connection with the subject of slavery, one of the most violently con- 
tested questions that ever agitated the councils of the nation. A bill had 
been introduced into congress, providijig for the admission of .Missouri, on 
the condition, that all children of slaves, born after the passage of the : ct, 
should be free, after reaching the age of twenty-five years, and that the 
further introduction of slavery should bo prohibitod. The excitement in 
congress infected the people when this bill was defeated aud^the north was 
arrayed against by the south." 



366 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER XVn. 

Appointment of Albany Post Master. 

Tribute of Respect. 

The following letters were copied in the New Yorh Columbian prefaced 
by these remarks : 

" We have obtained from the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to 
the following correspondence, copies thereof for publication. The senti- 
ments contained in the letter to Gen. Van Rensselaer, as well as his 
answer, do honor to the parties, and cannot fail to sink deep into the 
minds of all good men. It is probable that this correspondence would 
never have met the eyes of the public, had it not been for the calumnies 
on the character of Gen. Van Rensselaer, which have recently appeared 
in the factious papers of this city." 

To Oen. Solomon Van Rensselaer . 
Sir, New York, March 5, 1821. 

As friends to personal merit — as friends to elevated and manly prin- 
ciples — and as friends to the honor and credit of the state of New York, 
a large and respectable number of your fellow citizens, in this city, are 
anxious to greet your return from the seat of government by some public 
testimony of esteem and respect compatible with the tone of popular feel- 
ing, inspired by your removal from the office of adjutant general; and 
the just appreciation of your important services to the state and to the 
nation. They have agreed to give you a public dinner, and only wait 
your acceptance of this proffered tribute of regard, to make the necessary 
arrangements. In times when worth, valor and talent are proscribed in 
the civil commotions of a state, there is a gratification in seeing a free and 
intelligent people indicate their regard and attachment for the victims of 
party exclusion — for men who deserve the gratitude of the present age, 
and the gratitude of posterity for men, whose deeds of bravery will ever 
form an illustrious example on the page of history, and whose political 
course has been distinguished by integrity, honor, firmness and decision. 
Your early military services, your brilliant exploits, during the late 
war, your scars and your wounds, nobly received in the defence of your 
country, as well as your recent services on the floor of Congress deserve 
far more than any homage which we can render you. Please to inform 
us on what day we shall have the pleasure of waiting on you. 

RoBT. Rogardus, Benj. G. Minturn, 
Benj. Ferris, Chas. G. Haines, 

Isaac M. Ely, Jonas Mapes, 

J. Le Roy, Committee. 

Gentlemen, City Hotel New York, March 6, 1821. 

Your flattering demonstration of public regard has been received with 
the most grateful sensibility. However little I may deserve, for any serv- 
ices rendered, so distinguished a mark of approbation, or be entitled to 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 367 

your animated euloiciums, it is solacing to reflect, that luy motives have 
been justly appreciated. 

In the various public stations, to which T have been called by the in- 
dulgent confidence ol" my fellow citizens, it has ever been my amliition to 
prmuote the prosperity, and maintain the honor uf the State. And their 
approbation constitutes the most welcome reward for past, and the noblest 
incentive to I'uture exertions. 

I regret that my health is so impaired by recent fatigue, as to compel 
me to decline your flattering invitation. Be pleased to accept on belialf 
of yourselves and your I'eliow citizens, the assurance of my most grateful 
respect. Solomon Van Kknsselakr. 

To Robert Bogardus, Bcnj. C. Minturn, Benjamin Ferris, Charles G. 
Haines, Isaac M. Ely, Jonas Mapes, J. Le Hoy, Committee. 

" March 14, 1821. General Solomon Van Rensselaer was yesterday 
unanimously nominated lor a re-election to Congress by the Albany (^ounty 
Federal Kupublican Convention for Representative to ('ongress." On. 
February 12th, while General Van Rensselaer* wiis attending to his con- 
gressional duties at VVashington, he was removed by the new CutnicU of 
Appolntnuut from the office of adjutant general — a situation he had 
been allowed to retain during the administratiim of (Jovernors Jay, 
George Clinton, Lewis, Tompkins and De Witt Clinton's till this year, 
having fulfilled the duties of the responsible station to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the country. Upon being superseded by William Ij. Marcy, Ksq., 
the above re-nomination wasimme<liately made. At the time of election — 
by an overwhelming majority over the Democratic candidate, Hon. Ilar- 
manus Bleecker, it was certified that : " Solomon Van Rensselaer, by the 
greatest number of votes in the Ninth District was elected Hepresoiitative 
for this state in the House of Representatives of the Seventeenth Congress 
of the United States." This official return was hailed with great joy by 
numerous friends. 

Judge Van Ness to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, , New York May 16, 1821. 

I saw the Chancellor [James Kent] yesterday and had a long talk with 
him on the subject of the Convention. I am authorized in saying that if 
you think proper to nominate him as one of your camlidates, he will not 
decline. We all here think he ought to be in the convention and I hope 
you will send him if you can. I also think it of the highest importance 
that the Chief Justice [Ambrose Spencer] should be in the convention 

I have this day written to the Patroon in relation to the (.'hancellor. 
It would be well enough for you to mention this to a few confidential 
friends. You may say //on are authorized to declare that if the Chancellor 
is nominated he will not decline — my name need not be mentioned. I 
wrote to Dr. Bay on these subjects. 1 shall be at home on Sunday, tiod 
bless you. W. W. Van Nkss. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer Albany. 

"This convention of the people of the State of^Ncw Y^jtk, as.H'mbicd at 
Albany, on the twenty-eighth day of August, 1821, pursuai^t to an act of the 
legislature of the said state, entitled 'an act reconimendiiig aeon veut ion of the 
people of this state, pas-sed March loth.' The object of this convention was 
to decide, by a majority of votes as given agaiiisi the amended coiistkution, 
then it should be deemed rejected by the citizens of this state : But if a 



368 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

j^ajority of the said votes are for the amended constitution, then the same 

shall be deemed to be ratified, and confirmed, by the citizens of the state." 

The First Session of the seventeenth congress began December 3, 1821, 

and General Van Rensselaer entered upon his second congressional term. 

Representatives of the State of New York in Congress : xviith CON- 
GRESS. — Cadwallader D. Golden, Silas Wood, C. C Cambreleng, John 
I. Morgan, Jeremiah H. Pierson, William W. Van Wyck, Walter Patter- 
son, Silas Tuthill, Charles H. Ruggles, Richard McCarty, Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, John D. Dickinson, John W. Taylor, Nathaniel Pitcher, Reu- 
ben H. Walworth, John ,Gebhard, Alfred Conkling, Samuel Campbell, 
James Hawks, Joseph Kirkland, Thomas H. Hubbard, Micah Sterling, 
Elijah Litchfield William B. Rochester, David Woodcock, Elijah Spen- 
cer, Benjmain Ellicott. Senators — Rufus King, Martin Van Ruren. 

Philip P. Barbour of Virginia was chosen speaker of the house. 

Ojjicers of the Government of the United States : James Monroe, 
president, Daniel D. Tompkins, vice president ; John Q. Adams, secre- 
tary of state ; William H. Crawford, secretary of the treasury; John 
C. Calhoun, secretary at tyrar ; Smith Thompson, secretary -of the navy; 
Return J. Meigs, post-master general ; John Miirshall, chief justice. 

Officers of the Government of the State of New York: His Excellency 
De Witt Clinton, governor ; John Taylor, lieutenant gov. j James Kent, 
chancellor; Ambrose Spencer, chief justice: William W. Van Ness, 
Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Piatt, John Wood worth, justices of S. C. John 
V. N. Yates secretary of state ; John Savage, comptroller ; Benjamin 
Knower, treasurer; Simeon De Witt, surveyor general; Samuel A. Tal- 
cott, attorney gen.; William L. Marcy, adjutant, general; Gerrit V. 
Denniston, judge advocate general; Archibald Campbell, deputy secre- 
tary. 

Died. At his seat in Greenbush, Rensselaer county on Tuesday evening 
December 11th, 1821, Major Nannino I. Visscher aged forty-nine. 
Major Visscher received his first commission, as ensign, in the United Stales 
army under President Washington, at the early age of nineteen, and entered 
into immediate service. He received regular promotion in our then small 
military establishment, and served under Gen. Wayne during the whole 
of that dangerous warfare, until our Indian enemies were driven back and 
peace was made with them. Possessing an ardent zeal for the service, and 
being rigidly exact in the performance of every military duty, he was en- 
trusted by his general with the command of several important military 
posts, and often placed in highly responsible situations, where his bravery 
and prudence rendered him essentially useful. He was again promoted 
by President Adams in the second regiment of infantry, in 1801, where 
he remained till 1810, when he was transferred to the rifle regiment. 
Having obtained permission to go to England, on his private afi'airs, about 
the commencement of the late war, he hastened the settlement of his busi- 
ness in that country, and, on his return, solicited from government employ- 
ment, with a rank to which he justly deemed his long service, and the aug- 
mentation of the army entitled him. The places he had a right to expect, 
however, having been filled up with officers who had been junior to him 
in rank, he felt himself bound to tender his resignation. Major Visscher 
was ever considered a valuable officer and a worthy citizen. His urbanity 
of manners and gentlemanly deportment, gave him many friends. Those 
who wurc more particularly intimate with him, and hud an opportunity to 
know his unaffected generosity and genuine goodness of heart, will long 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 369 

remember bim with sincere jifFection. His doatli will be deeply felt by 
an extensive circle of friends and connections, but by mine so aonfcly, as 
bis afflicted widow. Respect for his memory was marked by the numbers 
who attended his funeral on Thursday, 13th instant. Several of the uni- 
form companies of Albany, notwithstanding' the unfavorable state of the 
weather and dangerous crossing, with their characteristic promptness, 
volunteered in payiqg the last honors to the deceased fellow-soldier. 

Oov. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Albany, 25 December, 1S21. 

Knowing your indisposition to an Epistolary Correspondence, I did not 
intend to trouble you with any of my letters until something should occur 
of considerable interest, and a rumor which has just reached me has 
prompted this communication. It is said that the Post Master General 
has notified the Post Master of this City, that if he does not make good his 
defaults by the first of January, he will bo removed. And as this will be 
out of his power, a Scramble will take place for the spoils. Jud:,'e llowo 
it is said is already at work. Can you ascertain the truth of this and let 
me know who the Sureties are and whether we ought to stir in this affair 
as we are all concerned in having a good post master. Our Legislature meet 
on the 1st of January. The Speech will be sent to you immediately after 
it is delivered. The public mind is in a favourable tone, and I think that 
great events are yet in store and will in time be realized. Send the docu- 
ments regularly. 

One of your Daughters sustained an injury by a fall but she is now 
almost well and the rest of your family entirely so. 

I am dear Sir, Your sincere friend, 

De Witt Clinton. 

The Honorable Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

Sol. Van Eensselaer to the Patroon. 
My Dear Sir, Washington Dec. 26, 1821. 

I have just received your letter for which I thank you. Your congratu- 
lations on my escape in the stage, and your pious thanks to Him who has 
BO often protected me in danger, calls forth feelings which are easier felt 
than expressed. To that All-powerful Being I also feel grateful, in which 
an interesting and affectionate family have reason to participate. This 
warm expression of your feelings is the more grateful to my heart, as I 
feared from some circumstances that I had been mis-rcprexmlcd . It waa 
my intention to have spoken to you, on this subject, that I might meet 
my calumniator before you, but a conscious pride that I had, at the risk 
of promotion, office and more serious consequences at this place — defended 
you, kept me silent. I never wrote or urged any person living in favor 
of my nomination [to Congress], which took place three days after I got 
home. When Mr Schuyler called upon and urge<l me to decline, and after 
I told him that it was not from ambition, but to save something for my 
family that I could nut, he spoke of layp' run iaiy oblijntinns to t/n/ami'It/ ! 
it roused my indignant feelings. I told him \f you had of your own accord 
paid money /or mc, 1 hid staked mi/ life, and spent mi/ blond in dr/enrc 
o/your hmur and reputation. I regretted I had said so much but, the 
indelicate manner in which he treated me, at the moment, called it forth ; 
besides from what passed between us at this place, I was satisfied yow knew 

47 



370 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

notlnn2;of the project. At this crisis too I had been removed, [from being 
Adjutant General] and one charge against me was for pushing the pro- 
motion uf the very man who wished my place here [in Congress.] 

You have formed a proper opinion of Eustis, he is amiable, weak and 
honest, he is particularly friendly to me, before he left the War office, he 
put me down as a Brigadier-General. He is easily managed, has no 
opinion of his own. The Committee will go with me, and as that is well 
known I receive every attention. We have had three meetings, T waved 
the subject of the army ; we meet again tomorrow when I shall be ready 
to act. I rejoice that our opinions on this subject coincide, but my opinion 
shall not be known before hand. Calhoun called and set with me an hour, 
this morning, to explain the difficulty at West Point. He asked me to 
take a family dinner with him, but which I declined as I was engaged at 
the Presidents — out of alphabetical order. 

Van Buren is very civil, he and all the Bucktails have been to see me. 
I am upon good terms with them all, but they are detested by the very 
men they voted with on the subject of the Speaker, Van Buren stays 
with Dickinson, Patterson and others at Strothers ; he spoke at the table 
in handsome terms of me. He knows nothing of the object I have in 
view. The office of Post Master at Albany will become vacant unless he 
makes deposits to a large amount in the State Bank without delay. He 
has been written to more than a fortnight since, and up to this day the 
Post Master General has received no answer from Southwick. The Post 
Master General is my decided friend, I will also have the support of the 
Secretary of War [John C. Calhoun]. I think also all the members from 
our State in our House, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee will vote that 
office to me; and if a strong recommendation comes from Albany, and you 
write to King and Van Buren in such terms as the occasion will warrant, 
I think by abandoning politics, with a strict regard to my duty, I may sit 
down in comfort, peace and quietness with an affectionate family the rest 
of my precarious days. I have indeed, as you say, made sacrifices enough. 

Without any trouble I will procure the nomination of Stephen. What- 
ever interesting occurs you shall be made acquainted with. I stay at the 
same house, and in the same room you found me, opposite to Calhouns, 
where I shall be rejoiced to see you. Randolph — he is as crazy as ever, 
but very friendly, and many others asked about you. 

Whatever Providence has decreed for me, I never shall be wanting in 
gratitude or affection for you. 

Southwicks fixed Salary, free of expenses is S2000, his son who is 
dead got 8800 and another son, a little boy $150, besides two clerks at 
?300 each. I have written to Denniston and McKown on this subject. 

Your Obt. Servt. 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. I''. 

Denniston told me before I left home, that Southwick was much in 
arrears and wished me to enquire about it. I think it very probable that 
he would like the situation for his son-in-law Robert Elliott who was teller 
in the Bank but has resigned his situation. 

Judge McKown to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, . Albany, 26 Dee., 1821. 

Mr Denniston has shewn me your letter to him. I believe he writes 
himself by this mail, but immediately on reading your letter he did not 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 371 

hesitate to say instantly that he wouUl not make any interest for himseH', 
but would cordially assist in every way you mij^ht jmiut out or tlint ho 
could himself su<i:gest to give effect to your application. And he desires 
by all means that you should not let any circumstance escape you at 
Washington that might further your prospects. I do not understand 
you to say in your letter that 1 shall communicate with our friends 
Alexander and Van Vcchten on the subject at present, and I shall wait 
your instructions, lest by doing so I shall be premature. I hazard 
nothing when I say we can raise the united voice of the icealth, chamrter, 
and business of our City in your favor. As to those who do not pay 12J 
cents postage a year, they may be induced to recommend the first Specu- 
lator and adventurer that applies. But'the P. M. Genl. an<l the heads 
of Department know full well how to estimate those who apply by numbers 
of those who recommend. 

The Government were imposed upon in the appointment of the present 
incumbent, and I should suppose they would rather take a man they did 
know, and who the country knew, than one recommended by others, no 
matter how high in oflBce those were who solicited for him. If there was 
not a defalcation, the great dissatisfaction and distrust of the office that 
at present exist here among the business part of the Citizens of every 
denomination, ought to induce the removal of the Incumbent without 
hesitation. I take it for granted it must be so. Now for .Mr. Van 15urer» 
to think of the appointment of Chancellor Lansing is perfectly idle, for 
reasons which he knows as well as any one. That Chancellor L. is poor 
or insolvent ought never, to say the least, be made a claim for such an 
office where there is so much responsibility. Indeed with reflecting men 
it would, I should think, operate against his application. But he is too 
old — between 65 and 75, can it be expected infirm as he is, he can go into 
such an office to do business? And let me say our Citizens will never be 
satisfied unless the head of the office shows himself in it. If Chancellor 
Lansing gets the office, no doubt it is to go into the hands of his Son-in 
Law Livingston, a young Lawyer from Dutchess County, who is an 
entire stranger here. And what can Mr. Van Buren hope can bo 
gained in a party point of view by such an appointment? Chancellor 
Lansing has no longer any personal or family influence. There's not a 
man of any talent in the whole concern, except iMr. Sutherland, who is 
already well provided for, and therefore no danger of their losing liim. 

Let me hear from you and give me instructions. I say nothing to any 
one till I hear from you. 

Our Legislature meets you know on the first day of January. As poor 
D— of the minority will of course have but little to say in organising 
the House — Romeyn of New York and Burt of Orange are canvassing 
for Speaker on the Bucktail side. I write in a hurry to enable me to get 
this in the mail this evening. Yours truly 

Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, James McKown. 

House of Representatives, Washington City. 

To The Hon. Return J. Meigs Post Master General of the 

United States. 

Understanding that there is a vacancy in the post office at Albany in 
the State of New York and the Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer is a candi- 
date for the appointment ; 



372 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

We the subscribers deem it a duty due to merit to state, that we are 
well acquainted with General Van Rensselaer. That he served several 
years in the army of the United States in the Western country. That he 
bore a distinguished part in the memorable campaign that liberated the 
western country from the scourge of Indian warfare. That he was distin- 
guished for his courage and conduct on all occasions, that the place of 
dano-er was with him the post of honor, and that he there received a 
wound through the lungs which will probably affect him through life. 

That his patriotism, without office, prompted him in the late war to vol- 
unteer his services for the benefit of his country, and that his services, 
his wounds, and his sufferings at Queens Town will never be forgotten 
while the record of the memorable events of that war shall adorn the 
history of our country. 

And we beg leave to add that Gen. Van Rensselaer has the honor of 
being descended from a revolutionary patriot and hero — who contributed by 
his patriotism, his courage, and his arms to the achievement of our inde- 
pendence, and who — as will be the case with his son — carried the ball 
of the enemy in his body to the grave. 

Without any other motive than a regard for a meritoriojis oflScer who 
has spent the flower o'f his days in toils and dangers, and who has sustained 
an unusual share of sufferings in bis country's service — do we take an 
interest in the Appointment of Gen. Van Rensselaer. And with an ar- 
dent wish that a brave and wounded soldier may be sheltered from the 
storms of adversity, and may with his familj' find a solace to his afflictions 
in the gratitude of his country, do we most cordially recommend him to 
the favourable notice of the Post Master General. 

Washington December 31st, 1821. Thomas R. Ross. 

"Twenty-two out of twenty-eight members of the New York delegation, 
of both branches of congress joined in a request that General Van Rens- 
selaer might be the one to supersede Mr. Southwick (since his removal 
was absolutely decided upon). I know that a more exact republican does 
not belong to the executive branch of this governnjent than the post 
master general. Wherever and whenever he can ascertain the will of 
the people, he respects it. The people can not be deceived much longer 
by empty and sinister professions. They begin to discover that real pat- 
riotism must be exemplified by men's actions, and not merely by their profes- 
sions. Mr. Van Rensselaer's actions have established his reputation as a 
patriot. The evidences of his patriotism are indelibly fixed upon his person, 
by the hostile weapons of the enemies of his country. Where shall we 
look for evidences among the most assuming leaders of the bucktail party 
and their most noisy adherents? This appointment will be a salutary 
administration, and prove that proscription for nonconformity to. their 
political tenets is not the true test of republicanism." 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Albany, Jan. 2d, 1822. 

I have this moment returned from the Capitol, the Governor delivered 
a very long and interesting speech which you will receive by the next 
mail. It is said, for I could not, owing to the crowd remain, the ablest 
he ever spoke, and I suspect his last. I learned this morning that Chan- 
cellor Lansing expects the Post Office, and that Van Ruren and King are 
his friends — do not mention from whom you received the information. I 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 373 

make the sufr,2;estion that you may be on your puard. The merchants 
have proiuiscd to represent to tlie Post Ma.stcr (ieneral that tliey have re- 
quested their correypondeuts not to remit money throu^'h the All)any 
^ost-Office. You must therefore depend on your own exertions with our 
Members before they are engaged by Van Jiureu. I will be with you 
this month. 

I was sorry to find your good Wife tliis morning so unwell, Elizabeth 
told me, she coughed violently last night. 1 hope however, nothing seri- 
ous will occur. 

lloniain is Speaker, and Livingston Clerk. V. D. Ilevden is very 
wroth, so is Major Hall and Esleek, they say, they are a perfidiou.s set of 
fellows. We had a delightful day yesterday for visiting. I liad the hou.se 
full, the Military and Militia all called to see me. 1 told Dalaby that I 
hoped the Congress would not disturb them tliis Session and he expects 
you will be the friend of the Army, lleceive my congratulations and 
many happy returns of the Season. Yours Sincerely, 

S. V. Hensselaer. 

Major Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Washington City. 

The Vice President to Mr. Thompson. 
Dear Sir, Washington, January 4, 1822. 

For the first I learned this day that Solomon Southwick was to be re- 
moved from the post-office in Albany, and the only person recommended 
was Solomon \'an llensselaer, late adjutant-general of New York, and 
now a federal member of congress from that district. Upon the develop- 
ment of this circumstance, Mr. King, Mr. Van liuren and myself add res.sed 
a note immediately to the postmaster-general requesting him to suspend 
any appointment for a fortnight, that our friends in Albany might be 
advised of the contemplated removal, and be enabled to recommend a suc- 
cessor. To that communication we have this moment received the en- 
closed answer. Mr. King is at Georgetown ; Mr. Van Ruren is dining at 
the navy barracks with Col. Henderson. I have, therefore, as the answer 
was directed to me, taken the liberty of advising you of the contemplated 
change and of rccjuesting you to communicate to Mr. Dudley, the mayor 
of Albany, Judge Skinner and Treasurer Knower, the fact of change and 
recommendation, and desire them to communicate as soon a.s possible the 
wishes of the republicans of Albany to ^Ir. Van IJuren ; and it would be 
advii^able that they should send it part of the way by private conveyance 
or 7nail their communication this side of Albany. As the other gentle- 
men cannot unite in this communication by the mornings mail, I have 
thought the matter of sufficient importance to write alone, and will unite 
with them to morrow. If the president shall decline to postjione ibr a 
fortnight, as we have requested, the necessity of the case will induce us to 
recommend Chancellor Lansinj;, without knowing the wishes of our friends 
in Albany, and for which we shall of course be pardoned if we err. It 
will surprise you to know that sixteen of our representatives have recom- 
mended Mr. Van llensselaer. " Whip me such republicans !" Do not 
fail to communicate this intelligence, which 1 would have communicated 
directly to the gentlemen above named, but for causes with which you are 
acquainted, and which h'ave not cca.sed even at this session — I mean the 
opening of letters addressed to or franked by me. 

Your I'rieud and servant, 
Jonathan Thompson, Esq. Daniel D. Tompkins. 



374 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The above letter was sent by the vice president under cover to the 
collector of the port of New York, Jonathan Thompson, and by him for- 
warded to the mayor of Albany. In the note which accompanied the 
document Mr. Thompson says : " Are copies of letters which I received 
this morning from the vice president. I hasten to give you their contents, 
that you may be enabled to make use of the information in the way sug- 
gested by the vice president. With the assurance of my respect and 
esteem. Jonathan ThoiMPSON. 

" Charles E. Dudley, Esq., Mayor of Albany." 

Great exertions had been made by the contending parties for success, 
and it was with difficulty that the opponents of General Van Rensselaer, 
could conceal their chagrin and regret at what they feared would eventu- 
ally prove the successful result, of the determined efforts of his numerous 
and influential friends, and which soon culminated in his appointment to 
the coveted position. He fortunately could rank among his supporters 
" men, whose firmness and patriotism would have done honor to the best 
days of Greece and Rome;" who could understand when proper checks 
and balances were necessary for the preservation of liberty, and did not 
fear to adopt bold and energetic measures. 

Oovcrnor Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Albany 5 January 1822. 

As the best mode of promoting your object and at the same time of 
consulting my own self respect, I have thought it most advisable to avoid 
a direct application to the P. M. General, either by letter or by signing a 
Memorial. I however send an open letter directed to Col. Pell — which 
you can send immediately to the Post Master General — or in concurrence 
with the latter make such use of it as you may think best calculated to 
effect an object so anxiously desired by me because so important to you. 
A petition is in circulation for you — it will be well signed. I have spoken 
to Major Smith (the Brother-in-law of Judge Howe) he is decidedly 
friendly to your views and will not only sign, but endeavour to get signa- 
tures. He says that the whole City will come out in your favor. I shall 
urge this measure on other friends. Your Wife is convalescent and the 
rest of your family well. Let me hear from you often. 

I am yours truly D. W. C. 

The Honorable Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. 

Governor Clinton possessed a truly warm heart and his exertions were 
never limited when the welfare of those he loved was the incentive for 
action. " In the conflict of honest opinions he boldly took his part, and 
if his zeal at times excited the fears of his followers, his patriotism won 
the hearts of his opponents;" and he was ever unremitting in his earnest 
efforts to benefit the oppressed and deserving citizen. 

Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Knower and Others. 
Gentlemen : Washington January 5, 1822. 

The accompaning letter will show you what has been done in regard to 
the post-office and the present state of this question. If I could have sup- 
posed that our members could have recommended Mr. Van Rensselaer I 
would have expostulated with them on the subject. I have no doubt they 
are as much mortified about it now as I am. Before I knew about it the 
postmaster general had committed himself to V. R. In that state of the 



Leqac-^ of Historical Gleanings. 375 

question, we thought proper to present the name of ('hancelh)r Lansinf;. 
By we, I mean the vice-president, Mr. Kin<r and myself. The president 
being personally acquainted with the chancellor, and entertaining a per- 
sonal regard for him, we thought it the moat likely mode to defeat the ap- 
pointment of V. R. independent of a desire on our part to do something 
for the chancellor. In the course you pursue you should have regard to 
the circumstance that the post-master general is committed. Ac, (wa.H so 
before I knew that Southwick would be removed) on two points, viz., the 
removal of Southwick. and the appointment of V. 11., and not only commit- 
ted, but evidently desirous that it should take place, and that nothing 
but the positive interference of the president can arrest the j)roceeding. 
In this view of the matter you will .see the propriety of uniting on your 
candidate and of making as impressive an appeal to the president a,s prac- 
ticable. The measures I advise are the following: 1st. Let the rcjiuldi- 
cans of the city send a memorial to the president recommending the chan- 
cellor, if that is agreeable to them, or if they should think as we ilo, that 
a change of the candidate would be at this monient extremely hazardous 
if not decisive against us. It is proper, however, that you should know that 
no application upon this subject direct or indirect has come from the 
chaiLcellor on this subject, nor do I know that he is apprised of what is 
done4iere. In this memorial I would state simply the respectability, itc , 
of the chancellor, and the desire to see him provided for. Such a j)etition 
I suppose would be signed by as many federalists as would apply for V. 
R. It has been insinuated here that the place is desired for yount; Mr. 
Livingston and not for the chancellor. Upon this subject there ought to 
be an understanding. I do not think Mr. Livingston has any such claim 
upon the party, and if the oflBce was not desired and desirable for the 
chancellor himself, I would not advocate it. 2d. I would have prepared 
and addressed the president a memorial to be signed by all the republican 
members of the senate and assembly setting forth : 1st, why the office is 
a matter of state concern the reasons for which will readily occur to you. 
2d, I would admit V. R.'s services, but state what the general and state 
governments have already done for him and that his removal was in con- 
sequence of his becoming an inveterate partisan, when he was made to 
share the fate of others, and that the government of the state have hcen 
justified by its people in the act. 3d. That whatever may be decmeil a 
fit course at this time on the question of removing federalists from oihce 
on the ground of their politics, you think that all other matters e(|ual, a 
republican should be preferred for a new appointment on that ground only. 
I would present that question distinctly to the president, that we may 
know hereafter what we are to expect. It can scarcely be necessary lor 
me to say, that that should be done with the utmost delicacy and respect. 
This is extremely imporUint. If the petition should in the least degree 
wear the aspect of threatening or scolding, it would be ruinous. At the 
same time let them speak with firmness, and as if conscious of their righta 
and regardful of their duties; and, lastly. I would send a letter to those 
republican members, who have subscribed V. H.'s petition, viz., Messrs. 
Cambrelling, Morgan, Pearson, Borland, Hawks, Campbell, Spencer, 
Rochester, Hubbard, Woodcock, and Van Wyck, to be signed by all the 
members of the legislature, setting forth the strong reasons against having 
a federalist in the office at Albany. 

The regrets that are felt that they have acted as fhey have, and 
requesting them to withdraw their recommeudation. This letter will 



376 Legacy of IIistorudal Gleanings. 

furnish them with good ground for doing what I am persuaded will be very 
a'-reoable to them, provided the request is couched in such terms as are 
not oflensive, which must not be lost sight of. They undoubtedly did it 
through personal solicitations and without appreciating at the moment 
the importance of the place in a political point of view. I hope, 
therefore, that the utmost delicacy will be observed towards them, as 
they are as worthy and honest fellows as ever lived. Especially I 
wish you to remember that dispatch is all important. By this means I 
propose we may defeat V. R's appointment. I say may, for I cannot 
speak with confidence, as the post-master-general is evidently determined 
on his appointment. It is said here that he has written to Mr. Southwick 
that V. U. is his successor. Certain it is that he has decided in his 
favor, and that had it not been for our note to him V. R. would have 
been with you as soon as this letter. V. E.. says that two of the heads 
of department are in his favor, of whom Mr. Calhoun is said to be one. 
I have not inquired with what correctness, but it would not be amiss 
for Judge Skiuner to write him on the subject. I have been thus 
particular because I believed it to be a question in which our friends 
would take a deep interest. Should we be unsuccessful, I will take 
the liberty of suggesting hereafter the course I would advise to o.btain 
redress, or rather to improve our condition. 

I wish Mr. Knower would show Mr. Southwick the correspondence be- 
tween us and Mr. Meigs that he may know that we had not sought his 
removal. As this is true it is but right that he should know it. Since 
writing the preceding , I see that Mr. Livingston is chosen clerk. This 
may lead to a wish to change our candidate here. I do not know that it 
would not have that effect upon me if I was not morally certain that an 
attempt to get another man under the circumstances would be abortive. 
The circumstances of the president's personal knowledge of and regard 
for the chancellor is decisive with me as to the expediency of pressing 
him. I am, however, under the direction of my friends, and will cheer- 
fully acquiesce iu what they advise. In great haste. 

Yours Sincerely, 

M. Van Buren. 

To Benjamin Knower, Charles E. Dudley, Roger Skinner, Wm. A. 
Duer, M. J. Cantine, Esqrs. 

Martin Van Buren to B. Kaower and Others. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Jan'y 6, 1822. 

The enclosed letter was written under an expectation that the question 
of postponement raised by us would have been decided yesterday. It is 
now sent on for the purpose of apprising you what is doing and not for 
you to act upon unless and until you hear further from me. In addition 
to the letters inclosed there are the following which are now iu possession 
of the president, viz., a letter from the vice-president, Mr. King, and 
myself to Mr. Meigs asking a postponement until we could communicate 
with you. Ilis answer to us saying in substance that unless the president 
directs, the postponement will not take place. 

My appeal to the president who has treated the matter with the im- 
portance and the delicacy it deserves, and I am well satisfied that if the 
matter rested with liim we should have no difficulty. By the post office 
law the post master general has complete control. The question of post- 
ponement has been before the cabinet for two days, and I expect an answer 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 377 

to-morrow. Two of tbctn arc sai<l, and I believe with truth, to l)e in favor 
of V. lleusselacr, but 1 have no explicit inforuiation of tliia fact that I 
can avow. 

To-morrow morning I will receive an answer from the president, which 
will probably be that he must leave the post-nuuster-generul to his course. 
If so, he will be disposed to make the appointment of V. Kensselacr im- 
mediately. To guard against that, the vice-president and myself have in 
writing requested that in that event he would alTord us an opportunity to 
make one more'communication to him, in which we will recommend Chan- 
cellor Lansing, and put the question on such political ground that the 
people of the United States may distinctly understand what principles 
prevail in that department of the government, and, may take the measures 
necessary to a wholesome reform. This point must be settled one time or 
other, and no time more opportune than the present. It is one of the most 
interesting departments of the government, and instead of spending our 
time in small matters, I am for taking the bull by the horns at once, and 
if our friends at home will sustain us we will effect it. I have rccjuested 
a meeting of the republicans who have sit^ned V. Rensselaer's petition to 
night. Every effort has been made to excite their jealousy on account of 
my interference, but I am persuaded they will in the end behave well. I 
will write you again to-morrow. Yours cordially. M. V. BuiiEN. 

To Benjamin Knower, Esq., and others. 

Charles A. Clinton to Ocn. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, Albany, January 6th, 1822. 

The contemplated vacancy in the oflSce of Post master in this city has 
induced great exertions on the part of your friends, to effect your appoint- 
ment. Your claims will be supported by a powerful petition, comprising 
the most respectable inhabitants and most of tlie merchants. The other 
candidates, 1 am told, are not inactive, but are circulating subscriptions 
in every direction. They are Chancellor Lansing ; the old treasurer Dox, 
and I am told — Ely (the one in the comptrollers office). Your ex- 
ertions at Washington must correspond with those making here ; and 
you will be successful in your application. I am induced to mention 
this to you so that you may second your friends, and not be induced upon 
any consideration to slacken your efforts. 
Ten Eyck is very active, as is Dr. Bay. 

With best wishes for your success 
Sincerely yours 

C. A. Clinton. 
Honble. Solom. Van Rensselaer, Member Congress, Washington. 

" It behooves the boasting friends of the general government amongst 
us, to suppress their impotent wrath and profit by the magnanimous 
example which the post master general will set before them in the new 
appointment ; and we are authorized to say, in contradiction to the asser- 
tion made, that Gen. Van llcnsscluer H/ycr received any grantor gratuity 
of land whatever, either from the general or state government for his mili- 
tary services." 

Hon. William D. Rochester to Ocn. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, H. of Uep. 7 January 1822. 

I deem it a duty always to be frank and especially so m our intorcoursc 
with those we esteem, lo observance of that spirit, I have to inform you 

48 



378 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

that having recently learned from an unquestionable source, that the pro- 
posed appointment of a successor to Solomon Southwick Esq. P. M. at 
Albany, was giving rise to much speculation, not to say excitement in that 
city. I have united with several of my colleagues in a request that a post- 
ponement of the appointment might take place (in case Mr Southwick's 
dismissal were determined on) until the citizens of Albany could have an 
opportunity of being consulted on the subject : Reflection satisfied me that 
this course was due from all parties to the respectable citizens of that popu- 
lous town ; and this conviction was strengthened by a positive assurance 
from two or three of my colleagues, that it was in perfect accordance with 
your own expressed wishes, at the time they subscribed the paper in your 
behalf, to which I signed my name also, out of respect to your merit and 
for your sufferings as a Soldier. I am, Sir, very respectfully &c. 
Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer. W. B. Rochester. 

" Hon. William B. Rochester was subsequently appointed president of 
the United States Branch Bank, located at Buffalo. No man is better 
acquainted with the wants and abilities of the people in this section of the 
country. He is deservedly popular, and we hesitate not to say that the 
appointment is the very best that could have been made." 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Br. Bay. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Jany 7th, 1822. 

Last Friday my appointment as Post-Master at Albany was to have 
been made, but owing to the officious interference of King, Tompkins, 
Thompson and Van Buren, the matter was laid before the President who 
called, on Saturday, a Cabinet Council on the subject. The Post Master 
General [Return J. Meigs,] was requested to attend, and after having the 
papers read, the President asked him, " if he was left to himself, i<;Ao 
would he appoint?" He promptly replied — General Van Rensselaer, 
and then gave his reasons : On account of my gallant services in two wars, 
and that I represented the district, as it were, by unanimous consent. 
" These are strong grounds," observed Crawford and Calhoun. Thompson 
[Smith Thompson, secretary of the Navy,] urged the claims of Chancellor 
Lansing, but without success. 

It was said by some of the members, in reply to a remark made in rela- 
tion to my politics, that it had no weight, particularly when I had so 
heroically distinguished myself. Much passed, and the unanimous opi- 
nion (in which T — was obliged to concur), was, that the Post Master 
General should be at liberty to do as he pleased. 

Yesterday the President communicated this to Van Buren, who by 
threats and every other means procured a meeting of the Bucktails, last 
evening. He attempted to persuade them to recant, on political grounds, 
that " it was not expedient to have such a rank federalist as Gen. Van 
Rensselaer in the Albany Post Office." However all the clique's personal 
efforts and expostulations could only get seven, out of the eleven repub- 
lican members, to sign a request that the appointment should be delayed, 
until the ('itizcns of Albany could be consulted, and it has taken that 
course, and now they must decide. There were eleven names annexed to 
the Republicans request of the 5th instant. 

There is much secret manoeuvring going on both here and in Albany. 
Van Buren and Co. coming out in this manner against the united voice 
of the Cabinet, has excited very great indignation, and King has ruined 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 379 

himself in the estimation of all. The fact is well known here, tliat I 
risked my office of Adjutant (Jeneral, in support of King against the 
very two men he has, now most singularly, joined to ruin me ! ! Spencer — 
Cambreleng — Morgan &c. would not rescind the step taken in my behalf 
although pressed to do so by Van Buren and Tompkins. Tliey have 
tried hard to co-erce the Post Master General — without the desired 
effect, and are at the same time hand and glove with (.Miarles E. Dudley, 
Benjamin Knower, and Collector Thompson of New York to prevent my 
appointment. It will indeed be a consolation to me through life that I 
have been able, single-handed, to defeat them, even if Albany under 
these adverse circumstances turns a cold shoulder, and deserts mc. 

Several of our friends will write, there is much excitement in my favor 
to day; before this our delegation did not interfere, I managed the 
matter in my own way. To my gallant fellow sufferer Coluuel Uichard 
M. Johnson and other friends from the West, I owe every thing. John 
I). Dickinson acts nobly, though Van Buren belongs to his nirss. Dickin- 
son stated to Van Buren at the table, that it was strange they should put 
out one pauper and put another in. Van Buren replied warmly, when 
Dickinson said he could prove all he affirmed, which he also mentioned 
this morning to the Post Master General. Golden [Cadwallader D.] 
behaves well like the rest, he also writes. Yesterday 1 flattered myself 
that to-morrow I would have been on the way to Albany. I am in great haste. 
Show this to my poor wife, the Patroon, McKown, Dcnniston and such 
other friends as you please. That you at Albany may conquer as I have 
here is my prayer. Sol. Van IIensselaeu. 

Dr. William Bay, Albany, N. Y. 

General Post Office. 
Sir, Washington City, 7 Jany., 1S22. 

Believing that the public interest will be promoted by the appointment 
of a new Post-master at Albany, N. Y. 1 have accordingly appointed 
Mr. Solomon Van Rensselaer Post-master at that place ; to whom, on the 
receipt of this, you will deliver all the Post-office property in your pos- 
session, taking his receipt therefor, if you desire it. 

You will forward your accounts up to the time when you deliver over 
the Office. I am. Sir, 

Y''ours respectfully. 

To Mr. Solomon Southwiek. B- J- Meios, Jr. 

*« In June 1792, Return J. Meigs (post master general) had a very 
narrow escape, when attacked by two Indians. In company with him, 
were a Mr. Symonds and a black boy, who had been hoeing in a corn 
field. The Indians had secreted themselves behind the path, near the 



Muski 



:ingura, on its west bank, where they had the river to cross. At a 
turn in the road our laborers having their back.s towards the Indians, 
were fired upon. Svmouds was shot in the shoulder, when Meigs rushed 
on the largest Indian with his tomahawk raised to throw it. He attempted 
to fire his gun at the savage, which mis.sed fire. Mr. Meigs then partly 
knocked down the Indian, and escaped by plunging into the river and 
swimmin'- it. The Indian threw his tomahawk at Meigs, which grazed 
its object. Symonds plunged into the river, and floated down to the fort, 
though one arm was useless in swimming, lie was taken up by the men 
of Fort Ilarmar, and eventually recovered of his wound. The black boy. 



380 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

twelve j^ears old, attempted to escape, but was tomahawked, killed and 
scalped by the Indians. Mr. Meigs saved his life by his dauntless attack 
of the Indian, and when his gun missed fire, by knocking do,wn his an- 
tagonist, and then out running the other Indian." 

Extract of a Letter from the Evening Post's Correspondent. 

Washington, Jany. 7, 1822. 

With unfeigned pleasure, I inform you that the postmaster general has 
this day appointed General Solomon Van llensselaer, postmaster at Albany, 
vice Solomon Southwick removed. 

This affair I presume, will cause some little excitement in New York, 
and your readers will doubtless be desirous of learning some of the par- 
ticulars relating to it. It having been determined that Mr. Southwick 
should be removed, the only question with the Cabinet was, who should 
be his successor ? The late Chancellor Lansing's name was brought for- 
ward by his friends, and backed by the influence of the vice president, 
and your two senators Messrs. Van Buren and King; Gen. Van Rensse- 
laer was also nominated, aod he was backed by the influence of the Ken- 
tucky and Ohio memhers, particularly by Colonel Johnson, of the former 
state. When the question was first put to the members of the cabinet 
they were all in favor of General Van Rensselaer, except the secretary of 
the navy, [Smith Thompson] who objected on account of politics ; but he 
was answered by Mr. Wirt, [William Wirt, attorney-general] who said 
that such considerations were out of the question now ; there was no 
longer any politics. On which the secretary of the navy is said to have 
acquiesced, and declared himself in favor of the appointment. When it 
was known to your senators, that it was determined, that it should be made 
on Saturday, they requested that it might be postponed till Monday after- 
noon, and in the mean time they drew up a formal memorial against it, 
which was read, but the appointment was then made. It was thought by 
the president and by all the cabinet, that the services the General had 
rendered his country in two wars, with the severe and dangerous wounds 
he had received in the discharge of his duty, were paramount considera- 
tions to every other, and ought to outweigh all the petty local objections 
of a party nature that could be mentioned. I have the pleasure to add, 
that nothing that has transpired here, for a long time, of a similar nature, 
has given such satisfaction as this appointment. General Van Rensselaer 
has been waited on by a great number of members of congress, to con- 
gratulate him on the event. I hope the appointment may afi'ord him an 
honorable and liberal provision for old age. 

Gov. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany 7 January 1822. 

Spencer Stafford as one of the Sureties of Mr. Southwick, (and a very 
worthy man as you know him to be) is desirous of removing or alleviating 
the pressure produced by this involvement. I recommend him and his 
interests to your earnest and poweri'ul intercession. Yours truly 

Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C. Washington. DeWitt Clinton. 

All these original letters written by distinguished men, and relating to 
an interesting period in our local and political history manifest the struggle 
which took place fifty-two years ago for the Albany post office. It was 
regarded as a position of great political importance, and the contest for it 
between the democratic republicans, whose candidate was ex-Chancellor 
Lanifing, and the federalists, whose candidate was Gen. Solomon Van Rens- 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 381 

selaer, was fierce. These old letters throw a flood of Iif;ht on the political 
life of that period of President Monroe's administration to wiiicli (liuy 
relate. 

Adeline Van Rensselaer to her Father. 
My Dear Father, Albany January 8, 1822. 

Your political friends in Albany are very active, of which fact you will 
be satisfied very soon ; but some of the BuchtiiUs are nho very hu.-y this 
evening, and will defeat you if they can. They evidently have had their 
secret instructions from Washin<;tuii, and are layin<^ some plans to check- 
mate my old daddy if possible. There are, however, several respcctablo 
democratic republicans on the List for you ; the reconimendatiim from 
the Citizens of dear Albany ns very stronj^. All the gentlemen who have 
been around, are to meet at James M' Kown's, at seven o'clock this even- 
ing to report. If they are all ready with the requisite number of signa- 
tures, the List will go on to Washington by this Mail, or if not completed, 
by the next. If a powerlul commendation and array of names will procure 
you the Albany Post Office, you are sure of it; though your opponents will 
not relax their efforts to over-reach the Post Master (rcncral. 

Judge Vari Ness, who arrived to day, Dr. Bay and others think the 
Clique at Washington will make a party <|uesti()n of it j the ^laynr [Char- 
les K. Dudley.] Benjamin Knower, J). D. Tompkins, Kufus King and 
the wil^ Martin Van Buren are closely leagued together ; but you are on 
the spot which will make a material dillerence in your favor. G. A. Worth — 
the former Cashier of the Farmer's liank — is to be a new competitor, he loft 
this several days since, and must be there by this time. Chuncellor Lan- 
sing has resigned in his favor, and if Worth succeeds, Ijansing's son-in- 
law Jjivingston is to be the Deputy. They say he will have Van liurcn's 
influence, so take care of him. Such a struggle and scramble for the oflBce 
is perfectly surprising. Mama and all join in much love. 
Your affectionate daughter, 

Adeline Van Rensselaer. 

Hon Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. 

Charles A. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, Albany January 0th 1822. 

Southwick's friends (principally Bucktails) had a meeting last night 
(Tuesday) and with 3 dissenting voices passed resolutions approving of 
his conduct as postmaster. It is said Elisha Dow was in the chair and 
Mr. Alderman Esleeek [Welcome Kslceck ] was Secretary. 

I am told there are 4 or 5 new candid.acs for the office : viz John Stillwell ; 
Judge Howe ; Mr. Phelps &c. &c. Southwick has gone on to Washington. 

Sincerely yours, C. 

Honble. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Member Congress, Washington. 

" Solomon Southwick, Esq has been removed from the office of postmaster, 
in this city, [Albany.] and Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, the repre- 
sentative in congress from this county, has been appointed in his place. 

General Solomon Van Rensselaer passed through New York January 
10th on his way to Albany to enter upon the duties of his office, as post- 
master, and Mr. Southwick passed thnmgh the city, that same Thursday, on 
his way to Washington. Mr. Southwick published a short address to the pub- 
lic, before ho left Albany, in relation to the attempt then making to effect his 
removal. He says the grounds alleged by some were, that he was a defaulter, 



382 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

and that he did not attend to his business. Both accusations, he says, are 
false and malicious." 

" General Van Rensselaer arrived in Albany, from Washington on Satur- 
day evenino- Tith, and will probably immediately enter upon the duties 
of his appointment." Someone says: " The parties concerned beingall dead, 
the publication and revival of reminiscences will be a valuable contribution, 
giving an insight into the political management and secret political history 
of New York." 

General Van Rensselaer had now entered upon the duties of his office, 
and Colonel Robert Elliott was selected as his deputy in this trust. Among 
the subordinate clerks, one of the first appointed was the notable William 
B. Winne as the city penny post, or as he was more familiarly called 
" Bill;/ Winne the Penny Pout" who was ever an active, vigilant officer, 
and retained his situation through a long series of years till in extreme 
old age death claimed another victim. Mr. Winne was, previous to this, for 
some time captain of the city watch. On the night of December 21, 
1808, an attempted robbery and murder was made by a highwayman — 
Robert Johnson — at the Inn of one John Pye on the Watervliet turn- 
pike — the half-way house between Albany and Troy. The house is still 
standing a short distance south of the entrance to the Cemetery. Mr. 
Pye was badly wounded and fell back fainting on the bed, but Mrs. Pye 
resolutely defended her property and shot the robber who was of " a tall 
and athletic form." After being wounded the desperado made his escape, 
without getting the toll-gate money, to the city. He was finally cap- 
tured by Captain Winne. " This man, on finding the track of the robber's 
horse in the snow (he had made a dreadful leap from the foot of Colum- 
bia street to the ice of the Hudson, escaping to Greenbush and thence to 
Aikins's mills), in an instant sprang oif after him on a full run, and was 
heard to exclaim to himself in good old Dutch and English mixed 
together : ' Mine Cot ! vat leeps de horse has mate, vull twenty veets. 
Dunder en bliksem ! he's been de duyfel vor running.' Captain Winne 
soon got the start of all other pursuers ; Winne was an uncommon active 
man, which his sprightly step still evinced even in old age. He had per- 
formed many a feat, both in pursuit of and in flight from Indians in the 
time of the revolution. Before the outlaw was secured, by a powerful 
blow he had dashed all the officer's front teeth iuto his mouth. He died 
from bis wounds." 

Mr. Van Biiren to Mr. Dudley. 

Dear Sir: [Private.] Washington, Jan. 10, 1822. 

The great weight which the New York delegation is now capable of having 
from its members of congress, the almost absolute certainty that the presi- 
dential question will be settled in caucus, and the immense weight her in- 
creased representation will give her there, give her an influence and con- 
sideration which you cannot so well appreciate at home as here. The 
disjointed state of parties here, the distractions which are produced by 
the approaching contest for president, and the general conviction in the 
minds of honest but prudent men, that a radical reform in the political 
feelings of this place has become necessary, render this the proper moment 
to commence the work of a general resuscitation of the old democratic 
party ; and circumstances imperiously point to New York as the source 
from which the good work ought to emanate. With prudence here and 
firniiioss at Albany, this can cfl'octively be done, and our state be placed 
on hij^her ground than she has ever stood. There are at this moment two 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 388 

subjects which might be hiid hold of by the republican members of our 
state legislature with great credit to them-selves and advanta<;o to tho 
country. The ^rsMs the presidential question. On this sulgect I refer 
you to an article iu a late Intelligencer as containing a true de»criptiuu of 
the state of feeling here in regard to it, and a tolerable view of tiie niia- 
chiefs which are growing out of the premature agitation of this question. 
In congress Messrs. Crawford and Adams and Calhoun have eacli decided 
and have active friends ; every day produces some resolution aimed at the 
one or the other of the departments they represent. These rei»ulutiun8 
are discussed with great bitterness. Every good man deplores the Htate 
of things which has grown and is growing out of it. and would hail with 
gratitude any measure having a tendency to avert the evils it must pro- 
duce. 

If the republican members of our state legislature should hold a meet- 
ing and express their regrets at the early agitation of this matter, and in 
a well-drawn resolution express their convictions of the mischief which 
must inevitably flow from it, and their hopes that their members will not 
mingle in the fray, they would, in my humble opinion, do themselves high 
honor and not be regarded by any one as acting out of the line of their 
duty. The South Carolina meeting may be referred to as proof, &e. The 
other subject is that of postmaster at Albany. We have been shamefully 
treated by the post-master-gcneral in this matter. I have no reason to 
complain of iMr. 3Ionroe. On the receipt of my letter he called a cabinet 
council, and the course he took was in pursuance of their opinion on the 
abstract questiou of his right to interfere. He has throughout shown 
great anxiety on the subject, and would, I am convinced, if the (juestion 
had laid with him, have done us justice. He estimates lully the probable 
effect it will have on the feelings of our friends, and will not be disap- 
pointed at any excitement it may produce with us. You will doubtless 
hear many things about the views of some of the members ol" the cabinet. 
On that head I must for the present leave you to such information as you 
may casually get. The secret.iry of the navy has conducted himself with 
great spirit in the matter, and is alive to its effect with you. Our represent- 
atives who signed Van Rensselaer's petition acted without reflection. They 
are very unhappy, and it would be unwise to mortify them more. It will also 
be seen that all of them, except Morgan and Cambrellingand Spencer and 
Borland, did all they could with propriety to correct their error. These 
signatures did not, in my judgment, influence the post-master-gcneral in 
any other way than to furnish him with an excuse to make an appoint- 
ment he was anxious to make, but which, without these, he would not 
like to venture upon. Before I was appri.'^ed of the extent to which the 
matter had gone, Mr. Meigs had committed himself, and wIidh he gave 
the president the papers he told him he had made up his mind to appoint 
V. K. unless he was directed to the contrary by the president. 

All good democrats have who understand the njattor sympathized with 
us, and are happy to loarn that the vice-president and myself have held a 
language on the subject which, though obsolete here, must again come in 
fashion before a situation here can be in any sense useful or desirable, 
and such I am well convinced will be the feelings of the democrats through- 
out the Union. If you submit tamely to this decision you must expect 
hereafter to employ soft, soothing milk and water petitions to get a repub- 
lican preferred to a federalist by the government instead of that manly 
simplicity and characteristic boldness which distinguished the conduct of 



384 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

our public men in the early years of Mr. Jefferson's administration. This 
is not a dispute between us and the president, and furnishes us with an 
opportunity to hold language which it will harm nobody in the govern- 
ment to hear, and will induce all who look to the presidency to ponder 
upon. I propose nothing to be done by you because what ought to be 
done is for you to decide. But if the republican members of the legisla- 
ture should think that the occasion calls for an unequivocal expression 
of their sentiments, that they should speak now or hereafter be silent, 
then I would take the liberty of suggesting that they need not have any 
apprehensions that they will injure themselves here by a bold but respect- 
ful expression of their sentiments, that they may with entire confidence 
rely on the support and sympathy of their republican friends in the Union. 

That the most proper course would be to regard this appointment as a 
decision of that department that the wishes of the great republican party 
of the Union should not be carried into effect, and in addition to an ex- 
pression of an opinion on the matter to appoint a respectable committee 
to correspond with the republican members of other legislatures, now in 
session, to secure co-operation and unity of sentiment to affect a remedy. 
In that correspondence much talent might be shown, and I fully believe 
that an application for the removal of the post-master general would be 
acquiesced in by many of the states. But all measures after the appoint- 
ment of the committee might be left to subsequent reflection and advise- 
ment. It is only in the event of the members thinking proper to take 
such a course that the vice-president and myself think our letters ought 
to be published. With you we will go all proper lengths. Without you 
it might look like a disposition to be querulous. If our letters are pub- 
lished, strike out that part of our letter to you which asks that we be not 
requested to have further communication with the post master general. 
Upon reflection it strikes me that if you should deem it best to publish 
that letter, that part had better be left out. An expression of the senti- 
ments of the citizens would be important. If you should think it wise to 
adopt those measures your representatives may hereai'ter speak with some 
confidence. If not the most supple will be the most favored. Show this 
confidentially to such of our friends as you may think proper. 

In haste, yours truly, 

Charles E. Dudley, Esq. M. Van Buren. 

Charles E. Dudley to M. Van Buren. 
Dear Sir : Albany, Jan. 14, 1822. 

Your several communications on the subject of the post-office in this 
city have been received, and our friends are highly satisfied with the 
cour.se that the vice-president and yourself have pursued. The result 
has indeed been mortifying to us, but it ought to be equally regretted by 
the members of the republican party throughout the state. We were 
glad to find that seven of the eleven members of congress who recom- 
mended Van Rensselaer were willing to join in a communication to the 
president, and the citizens of Albany owe something to them in point of 
feeling on this score. The New York members probably felt themselves 
so far committed as it regarded the appointment of a post-master for a 
city IGO miles di.stant from them, that they could not retract; their con- 
duct towards the republicans of Albany savors a little of the spirit which 
actuated some of the delegates to the convention from their city. How 
would they have relished your recommendation of one of their most 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 385 

obnoxious political opponents to fill the station now occupitMl by < ion. 
Bailey? No other atonement can be ma<le, in my opinion, to the injured 
feelings of the republicans of this state than by the president's removing; 
the post-master-general from office. 1 indulge the hope that this measure 
is already determined on by iMr. iMonroe. He must be sensible of the 
great importance that the republican party in this state have been to his 
administration. Although he may not know the difficulties we have had 
to encounter the faction which has been so triumphantly opposed, to main- 
tain him in the presidency, and to shield the general government from the 
attack of a bold but by no means despicable enemy. Nor have you been 
well treated by the post-master general, and through you retribution 
ought to reach him. Our opponents here exult, but I do not apprehend 
the political effects will be sucli as they imagine. We shall not relax ; new 
vigor will be infused into the party, and there will, I trust, bo a decided 
and universal expression of disgust at the course pursued by Mr. Meigs. 

Mr. Knower has your letter inclosing the correspondence which took 
place at Washington, and will this evening consult our friends as to the 
best mode of proceeding. We shall wish to treat the administration of 
the general government with great delicacy, but there will be no half-way 
expressions as to the postoffice department. The postmaster general must 
be denounced. You alluded in your letter of the 8th, to a confidential 
letter which you proposed to write by the next mail. I hope it may eon- 
tain something as to the decision of the president upon the removal of 
Meigs, or that it may give some intimation of movements which may load 
to it. At any rate we have nothing more mortifying to hear than what 
you have already communicated. 

All that comes after this must be of an encouraging character. 

Hon, Martin Van Buren. Yours, C E, Dudley. 

The mock drama performed at Albany by puppets was quite an exciting 
affair. The wires of this political puppet-show were all pulled at Wash- 
ington by the invisible but skillful hand of the crafty magician. The in- 
teresting letters of Mr. Van Buren were all suggestive as to the republican 
meeting to be held at Albany, and an urgent request that the post master 
general should be removed ! ! ! 

Solomon Van Rensselaer to Philip P. Barbour. 
Sir, Albany 14th Jany., 1822. 

The ill health of my family, andthenecessity of attending to my private 
concerns, I hope in peace and quietness the residue of my precun'ous diiys, 
have compelled me to retire from Congress, and to resign myseatin thehon- 
orable body over which you preside with so much honor to yourself an<l use- 
fulness to the public. In taking this step, I would do injustice to my feel- 
ings, were I not to expre-ss the sentiments of profound respect which [ 
entertain for the Hou.se of Representatives, and the grateful sentiments 
cherished towards its members, for the uniform kindness I have experienced 
from them. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant. 

Solomon Van 11ens.sklaer. 

Hon. Philip P. Barbour, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

On February 11th, the spe:iker communicated to the house the above 
letter, and it was: "Ordered, That the said letter lie on the table, and 
that the speaker do communicate the fact of the resignation of Mr. Van 
Rensselaer to the executive of the state of New York." 

49 



386 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Proclamation by De Witt Clinton, Governor of the State of New Toi^lc. 

" Whereas in consequence of the resignation of Solomon Van Rensselaer 
Esquire, a llepresentative in the House of Representatives of the Congress 
of the United States, for the Ninth District, composed of the County of 
Albany, a vacancy has occurred in the said oflBice, I do therefore appoint 
Monday the twenty-fifth day of February next for commencing and hold- 
ing an Election of Representative in Congress, to supply the said vacancy 
in the said district." 

lion. John B. Dichinson to Gen. Van Renssdaer. 
Dear Sir, ^yashington, Jany. 15th, 1822. 

I have this morning for the first, been able to leave my Room since 
you left this place, and have this moment returned from the palace from 
complying with your request. I was not in the bouse so early as to be 
able to ask leave of absence for you during the Session to day and on re- 
flection have determined not to do it until some arrangement is made for 
filling up vour place on the military committee, indeed I find from observ- 
ations by some friends, that it is thought you ought to send your resigna- 
tion to the Speaker instead of asking leave of absence. This course, unless 
you have reasons for with-holding your resignation, would appear the 
more correct course. Should you send your resignation, I wish, for par- 
ticular reasons that you would send it to me. The diflFerent publications 
respecting your appointment have excited considerable feeling among 
some of our delegation who are attacked for their signing your petition, 
they have — many of them, become indignant and openly justify their 
conduct and I am in hopes will cume out in answer to the attack of Noah 
and others. The Mail has just arrived and brings yours of 11th instant. 
Southwick is not, that I have yet heard, in town. 

I will attend to your wishes and am. Yours Sincerely 

Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Jno. D. Dickinson. 

Albany, New York. 

" It was truly wonderful to look at General Van Rensselaer and see with 
what indomitable energy the venerable man had mastered so many dis- 
agreeable obstacles." 

Henry V. B. Schermerhorn to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Uncle, Geneva Jan. 16, 1822. 

The account of your recent appointment has just reached me, and I 
know I need not assure you that I heard it with the most heartfelt grati- 
fication, for never in my life have I rejoiced at any event with more sin- 
cere pleasure. You have now, most unexpectedly to your friends in the 
country and very much to their delight, been rewarded in some measure 
by the General Government of your country, for services which have long 
since entitled you to this, or a greater manifestation of its justice and 
gratitude, and I lose no time in congratulating you. The Bucktailssay : 
"We admit that Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer is an honest man, is cap- 
able of being deputy postmaster at Albany; that he is the son of a revolu- 
tionary officer, that he is a man of great personal bravery, that he loves 
his country, that he has repeatedly exposed his life and shed his blood in 
defence of his country, that he was several times wounded under General 
Anthony Wayne in defending the men, women and children who first 
settled our fine western country, from the torch, the tomahawk and the 
scalping knife of the savage Indians, but, he was ever an uncompromising 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 



ns7 



opponent of our party, therefore we strove a^jainst his appointment." Vuu 
are no doubt truly aj^reciative of all indications of ^ratoful recollection 
on the part of your countrymen, and now haviuj^ received this, it is to be 
hoped that an invalid soldier may live long to enjoy the comfort it affords 
his declining days. Desiring to be remembered to the whole of your family 
I remain as ever, Your aflfcctionate Nephew, 

H. V. 11. SniBaMEBIIORN. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensslaer, P. M., Albany. 

Ron. WcdterPatterson to Oen. Van Remsdaer. 

My dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 20, 1822. 

I send the enclosed to you, with the reijuest that if the Judge is not in 

Albany, you will have the goodness to forward it to him. Mr. Dickinson 

has your letter and docu- 
ments, which he will forth- 
with send to the Post Master 
General. The delegation 
are much irritated at Martin 
Van Buren and the Vico 
Pros. Cambrelling [Chur- 
chill C. Cambreliug] haa 
written a letter in defence 
of their conduct, which will 
be published if more is said 
on the subject. The Ad- 
ministration are satisfied 
with the decision ot the 
Post Master General. The 
threats of Van IJuren to 
ho contrary notwithstand- 
ing. Southwick i.s here, but 
can do nothing. Mr. Cal- 
houn rises in favor daily. 
If I can do any thing for 
you here, command me. I 
hope you will send the 
Patroon to us. 

Yours truly &c., 

8. souTH-vncK. W. Patterson. 

General Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

On January 21st, a public meeting was called at Albany, for the pur- 
pose of expressing much dissatisfaction with t^e proceedings of the gene- 
ral government at Washington, in relation to the appointment of the post- 
master in that city. The officers of the government of the United States 
were condemned, and many virulent expressions used, while they assumed 
to be amazed at the extraordinary, unwarrantable, and unscrupulous acta 
of the administration. On this occasion the correspondence which took 
place at Washington, relative to the office, was laid before the meeting. 
Mr. Rufus King joined his colleague Martin Van Buren in the first note, 
and the vice president and Mr. Van Buren in the second. Here Mr. 
King's interference appears to have ceased. 




388 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER XVm. 

General Stephen Yan Rensselaer Elected to Congress. 

Correspondence about Albany Post Office. 

Sir, Washington, Jany 3, 1822. 

We have been informed that it is in contemplation to vacate the ofiSce 
of Deputy Post Master for the City of Albany. The importance of the 
station not only to the citizens of Albany (but from the circumstance of 
its being the principal distributing office in the State) to our citizens 
generally, induced us to request that we may be informed of the deter- 
mination of your department before the vacancy is supplied; our object 
is to secure a fit and full opportunity to all concerned, to make their re- 
presentations to you, on the subject. Will there be any objection to a 
compliance with our request ? Yours respectfully, 

R. King, M. Van Buren. 

Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. 

Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jany 4, 1822. 

I had the honor to receive yours of yesterday. It has become neces- 
sary to appoint a new Post Master at Albany. An application made by 
the friends of General Van Rensselaer, is now before the President for 
his consideration. 

It is desirable that an appointment shall be made without delay. I have 
the honor to be, With respect your obt. ser., R. J. Meigs Jr. 

Hon. Rufus King, Hon. Martin Van Buren. 

Sir, Washington, Jan. 4, 1822. 

Having been informed by your note of this morning, that your present 
deputy Post Master of Albany is to be removed, we have to request that 
the appointment of his successor may be delayed long enough to enable 
the citizens of the place to express their wishes on the subject. We do 
this in consideration of the importance of the appointment, and under a 
conviction that they are not apprised that a new appointment is at this 
time to be made. Should you think proper to comply with our request, 
we propose two weeks as the requisite time, and in that event you will 
please inform us whether the consideration of the question is still with the 
president, in order that the citizens of Albany may be informed to whom 
their communications may be addressed. We request the favor of your 
answer in time to enable us to make the requisite communication by the 
next mail. 

Yours Respectfully, 

Daniel D. Tompkins, Rufus King, Martin Van Buren. 

Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. 

Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jany. 4, 1822. 

I have the honor to state, in reply to yours of this date, that the Presi- 
dent has not decided or directed in the case of the expected vacancy of 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 389 

the Post Master at Albany. It is desirable that a new Post Master should 
be appointed without much delay. If the President thinks proper to have 
the appointment delayed, it will be .so. The president this day referred 
me to the Secretary of the Navy [Smith Thompson] upon whom I called, 
who informed me that he would communicate with me to morrow. 
Very Respectfully yr Obt and humble Servt, 

Hon. D. D. Tompkins, R. j. Mkios, Jr. 

Hon. Rufus King, Hon. Martin Van Buren. 

Sir, Washinf,'ton Jan. 5, 1822. 

The enclosed letters explain our wishes and the object of this applica- 
tion. If the delay we ask can be pjranted, we would be much obli-^ed by 
beinf; apprized in season to write home by tomorrows mail. Sen.siblo of 
the deep interest which our citizens will, for a variety of reasons, take in 
the question, I would much regret a decision without affording them an 
opportunity to be further heard. With great respect. M. Van Buren. 

P. S. If proper, I wish the letters may be returned to me. 

To the President of the United SUUes. 
Sir, 

We unite in the request which has been made for the postponement of 
the appointment of deputy Post Master for the City of Albany (in case 
the removal of Mr. Southwick is determined on) until an opportunity can 
be afforded to the citizens of that place to express their wishes on the 
subject, and earnestly solicit that the same be complied with. 

We have the honor to be, very respectfully yr obt. Servants, 
James Hawks, T. H. Huhhard, 

Nathaniel Pitcher, E. Litchfikld, 
W. B. Rochester, W. W. Van Wyck, 

Richard M'Carty, R. H. Walworth, 
Jer. II. Peirson, Sam. Campbell. 

D. Woodcock, 

Sir, Washington, Jan. 7, 1822. 

I have received your letter requesting a postponement of any ap- 
pointment to the vacancy in the Post office at Albany for a specific 
time. As this case is connected with others, and involves a principle in 
the administration of the Post office department, I have on that account 
as well as my respect for you and the other gentlemen, who have united 
in making the request, bestowed on it all the consideration which it justly 
merited. By the law, establishing the Post OOice department, the appoint- 
ment of all the officers employed in it, under the Post Master General, is 
exclusively vested in him, without reference to the Presid6nt. Had it 
been intended that the President should control the appointniont.s in de- 
tail, or take any agency in them, the provisions of the law, and the powers 
granted by it, would have been different. Such also according to my ex- 
perience and information on the subject, has been the uniform practice of 
the executive. For these reasons I deem it improper to interfere. I am 
Sir with great respect, Your very obt. Sevt., James Monroe. 

Sir, Washington, Jany. 6, 1822. 

If an application for delay in regard to the appointment of deputy Post 
Master at Albany be denied, we have to request that you will indulge us 



390 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

with an opportunity of making further communication to you on the sub- 
ject before the ultimate decision be made. 

We have the honor to be your obt. and very humble Servt's. 

D. D. Tompkins, Martin Van Buren. 
Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. 

Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jan. 7, 1822. 

I do not deem it expedient to delay the appointment of a Post Master 
at Albany. I can have certainly no objections to receive from you any 
communications which you may be pleased to make on that subject. 
I have the honor to be respectfully your obt. servt., 

R. J. Meigs. 
Hon. D. D. Tompkins, Hon. M. Van Buren. (Received at Sun Rising, 
Jany. 7, 1822.) 

These letters with those following were sent to Albany to the committee. 
*' Immediately wrote him a note that as the delay solicited could not be 
granted, he would receive the communication contemplated by the note 
of Mr. Van Buren and myself of Saturday by 1 o'clock. Mr. Stevenson 
delivered the note personally, and Mr. Meigs was pleased to say he would 
wait accordingly. D. D. Tompkins." 

A Letter to the Post Master General. 
Sir, Washington, Jany. 7, 1322. 

Having understood from you, that the P. M. at Albany, was at all 
events to be removed, and sensible that such an event was not so known 
or expected by the citizens of that place, as to afford them an opportunity 
to express their wishes as to his successor, we on Friday last handed in a 
request for a postponement on the subject until they could be apprized of 
the determination of your department. In reply to our note you was 
pleased to say, that the consideration of the subject was with the Presi- 
dent, and that if he directed the postponement it might be granted. 
Under an impression that, that question was still open with the President, 
we applied to him, and it appears by note, which he this moment enclosed 
to us, and which we here transmit to you, that a great proportion also of 
the representatives of our State, most of whom had signed Mr. V. R.'s 
application, to you, addressed a note to the President earnestly soliciting 
the delay asked for by us. At an early hour this morning, we were in- 
formed by you, that you do not deem it expedient to delay the appoint- 
ment, but declaring your readiness to receive the communication, we had 
requested an opportunity to make, before your ultimate decision on the 
question was made. Under these circumstances, we take the liberty of 
recommending to you for the appointment of deputy at Albany, John 
Lansing Jun. Esqr. Mr. L. is one of the few surviving patriots of the 
revolution; he was a member of the convention which formed the con- 
stitution of the U. S., and of that which adopted it in the State of N. Y.; 
has been chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Chancellor of the State, 
which latter place he held until arrived at the age of sixty, when, by the 
Constitution he was disqualified from continuing in it and reduced to the 
station of a private citizen. His integrity and capacity are unquestion- 
able, and the appointment in a pecuniary point of view would perhaps 
be important to him, and to a numerous and amiable family. We feel 
Sir, that wo speak correctly, when we say, that nothing would be more 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 891 

grateful to the feelings of the people of our State, than to see an old 
patriot thus provided for in the evening of his days. 

Of General Van Rensselaer we have'no desire to say any thing which 
might excite personal prejudice ; that his conduct has been that of a gallant 
man, we cheerfully admit. But we submit to your consideration, huw far 
he has partaken of the justice of his country. It cannot be unknown t«j 
you, that the U. S. have granted him a liberal pension for life, wliich 
with becoming munificence was allowed to commence many years back; 
independent of which, he has for a long time held a lucrative olhcc in the 
State of N. York, under several successive administrations of different 
and hostile political sentiments. 

Mr. Lansing is now, and always has been, a firm and inflexible republi- 
can, zealously devoted to the maintenance of the great republican party 
of the Union. 

Mr. Van R. has throughout been a warm, active and indefatigable op- 
ponent of that party. 

We will not discriminate between the pretensions of the two gentlemen, 
on the score of capacity and integrity, but a.ssume that we feel confident 
will not be denied by the friends of Mr. V. R. that Mr. Lansing's are at 
least equal to his. In this view of the subject we wish to submit to you, 
whether the preference ought not to be given to Mr. Lansing, because he 
belongs to the republican party, and to secure a decision upon that ques- 
tion by your department, we now propose, that if any objections are made 
to Mr. Lansing which have weight with you, we will suggest the name 
or names of other respectable republicans of the City of Albany, to whom 
the appointment will be acceptable. 

Knowing as we do that the republicans of the State of New York, will 
regard it as a matter of great importance, that the Post Office at the seat 
of government should be in the hands of a gentleman of the same 
political character with themselves ; and anxious that they should 
fully understand the principle which in this particular governs your 
department, we have felt it to be our duty and our right to pre- 
sent, on this occasion, that question respectfully but distinctly to yonr 
decision. We forbear discussion on the fciatter and therefore content 
ourselves with observing, that whatever might be the correct course 
as to removals from office, at this time when the feelings of party are 
in some degree relaxed, we had flattered ourselves, with the hope that 
for new appointments at least (all other matters equal) a preference would 
be given by every department of a repuldican administration to its repub- 
lican supporters. There is one more point of view on whifch we wish to 
present the matter to your consideration. Gen. Van Ren.sselaer held the 
office of Adjutant General of our State for many years, and as we have 
before stated under different administrations. In the severe and trying 
contest in which the republicans of that State have for some years past 
been involved, he yielded his undivided exertions against them, and was 
a zealous and efficient partisan. Having succeeded in wresting the power 
from the hands of their adversaries, the government of that State only last 
winter thought proper to extend to him the rule which had with an un- 
sparing hand, been applied to their friends, by removing him from office. 
The people of the State have at two successive elections by large and de- 
cisive majorities, ajtproved the course of those whom they entrusted with 
the power of tlie state. You can very readily estimate the feelings with 
which they wiU learn, that a department of the general government baa 



392 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

so soon, and under such circumstances, conferred an office which will give 
him much more political influence and consideration among them, thalrv^ 
the one of which they have deemed fit to deprive him ; and will deter- 
mine to what respect those feelings are entitled. 

With respect : yr. obt. Servants, 

Danl. D. Tompkins, 
M. Van Buren. 
To Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. 

Post Master Oeneral to the Vice President and Martin Van Buren. 
Gentlemen, Genl. P. Office, Jany 8, 1822. 

Your communication of yesterday, I had the honor to receive, and to 
give it an attentive perusal, and a respectful consideration. I regret that 
on a view of the whole subject, I have not been able to accord with your 
views and opinions. 

With high respect, I am your most obt. Servant. 
The Hon. D. D. Tompkins. ") R. J. Meigs. 

The Hon. M. Van Buren. J 

Extract "January 22, 1822. It is not a little singular that Mr Rufus 
King [U. S. Senator] the last federal candidate for Governor in this State, 
and the man to whom his friends looked as the standard of orthodoxy, 
should object to the appointment of General Van Rensselaer because he 
is a federalist ; and it is still more strange, that the Vice President and 
others, should claim the post office department as an appendage to their 
party. I was the most surprised at the monstrous attempt to pursuade 
the President and the Post Master General, that the dominant party in 
this state, had a right to the Post Office in Albany as a party engine, for 
I can make nothing less of their proceedings. 

" No want of capacity or integrity is alleged against General Van Rens- 
selaer — yet he stands denounced by the very men who declare that he 
has been sustained in office by them for many years, when he was at the 
same time their active and efficient opponent. This is the highest com- 
pliment they could pass upon him, and yet the same men have the efi'ront- 
ery to denounce this veteran at Washington, and not only this, but to 
demand the removal of the Post Master General or the appointment of a 
Post Master at Albany who will make his office subservient to the party 
views. The reason they assign for their efl'orts to defeat this appointment 
of the General's was, because he ever openly was adverse and opposed to 
the party which they represented. I had imagined and supposed the 
sentiment was general that post offices and mail routes were established 
for the benefit of the people at large without reference to political parties 
and I never before heard any party claim as a right the appointment of 
the agents employed to transact the business in which every party had an 
equal interest." 

Hon. John D. Dickinson to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
I>ear Sir, Washington 22d Jany, 1822. 

I have received your two packets containing Letters and recommenda- 
tion which had been sent back to you at Albany, and have personally de- 
livered them to the Post Master General. You may rest entirely at ease 
as to any effijrt in the power of Southwick to make here. I have this 
moraiug had a conversation with the Post Master General on the subject; 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 393 

he remains perfectly satisfied and ,<>jratified in the course ho has taken. 
We are engaged in the discussion of the IJankrupt Law, Mr. Ser^'cunt the 
last evening delivered a very able argumeat in favour. We are very much 
gratified with the information that tlie J'utnjon is to be your Successor, 
and should be much pleased if he should be disposed to join us at Strothers. 
Let me intreat you to write me often and keep me informed what is going 
forward. 1 am yours sincerely. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. P. M. Albany. Jno. D. Uickin.son, 

The Bankrupt Law was "An act to establish an uniform system of IJank- 
ruptcy throughout the United States." This act was not finally pa.s.sed till 
the first session of the 27th congress in 1S41. "At the moment the pre- 
sident (John Tyler) had signed the bankrupt act, a stranger burst into his 
room, and entreated the president to give him the pen with which he had 
signed the bill. The request was readily granted, and the stranger took 
it away with him to preserve it as the instrument with which an act of 
glorious beneficence had been executed. It is a triumph of Civilization ; 
of Justice, and of True Liberty." 

Expression of Thanks from the Albany Delegation. 
Albany January 23, 1822. It appearing by the proclamation of his 
Excellency the Governor, that General Solomon A'an Rensselaer has re- 
signed his seat in the House of Representatives of the Unitd States; there- 
fore. 

Resolved Unanimously that the thanks of the Delegates of the City 
and County of Albany be presented to General Solomon Van Rkns- 
8ELAER for his faithful services as their Representative in Congress. And 
that whi'le this Convention regret his resignation, they are gratified in 
knowing that the General Government, in the exercise of an enlightened 
and liberal policy have rewarded his valuable services to his country by 
conferring upon him a respectable oflice — the duties of which he is emi- 
nently qualified to discharge. 

"On motion resolved unanimously: That the Hon. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer be and is hereby recommended to the electors of the city 
and county of Albany as a suitable person to represent the said city and 
county in the house of the representatives of the United States. 

By order of the Committee 
William 1). Houghtalinu, Chairman. 
W. W. Dougherty, Sec. 

To Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer Present. 

General Stephen Van Rensselaer was elected over Solomon South- 
wick, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Gen. Solomon 
Van Rensselaer, with a majority of 1759. S. Van Renssselaer had 2258 
votes and Southwick 499. 

"It is mentioned as illustrative of the influence formerly exercised by the 
Dutch landed proprietors, that during the first forty years following U»e 
organization of the federal government under theConstitution (from 17?S9 
to 1829) the district embracing Albany was represented for twenty-two ymrs 
by gentlemen bearing the name of Van Rensselaer and connected with 
the family of the Patroon, that is to say, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 
two years, Killian K. ten years; Solomon and Stephen ten years in 
the aggregate. " 

50 



394 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Albany January 24th. " Our bucktail fellow citizens appear to be ex- 
tremely offended at the post master general's hardihood in presuming to 
appoint Solomon Van Rensselaer, post master, in this city, without their 
approbation.. What iMr. Meigs can do to appease their wrath I do not 
know. It seems he was duly apprised of Mr. Van Rensselaer's sin of feder- 
alism and oppugnation to the present democratic party here, and that he, 
notwithstanding knoioingly and wilfidly made the appointment; but what 
is worse, the heads of departments at Washington gave it their unequivo- 
cal sanction. The inference is that the administration of the federal govern- 
ment do not consider the political creed of the bucktails to be perfectly 
orthodox, or else that it savors too much of intolerance to meet the liberal 
views and enlightened policy which prevails at Washington. In either case 
the appointment of Mr. Van Rensselaer furnishes a pledge that an honest 
difference of opinions on political questions is not an insuperable objection to 
preferment under the United States government." " Substantially the 
facts in the case are, that Mr. Southwick as post-master has fallen several 
thousand dollars in arrears to the department, that every opportunity, 
time and indulgence had been allowed him to make up the defalcation ; 
that the patience of the department having literally became exhausted 
upon the subject, the post-master-general determined to remove him and 
to appoint a successor. The vacancy being known to the delegation in 
congress from New York, twenty-two memhers from that state, a large 
majority of them repiihlicans, recommended General Van Rensselaer 
to the post-master-general as a suitable person to fill it. In addition to its 
being the expression of the will of the people, made on this occasion 
through the representatives in favor of Gen. Van Rensselaer, it was con- 
sidered that his appointment was called for on the ground of the distin- 
guished military services he has rendered to his country at different 
times." 

" A Republican Meeting was held January 25, 1822, at Skinner's 
mansion house at which the venerable John Tayler, lieut. governor 
was called to the chair, upon which he addressed the meeting to the 
following effect : My friends and fellow citizens, you have been pleased to 
call me to preside over this meeting. In a few months 1 shall count the 
age of four score, but notwithstanding, I am alive to the happiness and 
welfare of my country, it is with sincere regret that I have of late wit- 
nessed meetings in this city to censure certain officers of the general 
government for exercising their functions under the constitution. Meetings 
of this kind can have no other effect than to excite and keep alive the 
angry feelings in society, which have for sometime, to the honor of our 
country, been subsiding. Severe censures have been passed on the post 
master general for appointing a deputy in this city ; and a correspond- 
ence with him and the president, on the subject, laid before the public, 
which, in my humble opinion, does not redound to the credit of those to 
whom the people have confided other duties. If appointments made by 
the government, are to pass in review before meetings called to approve 
or censure, then we shall be continually engaged in political contentions, 
and society will never be at rest. I would beseech you to beware of pre- 
tenders for the public good, who have continually the people, the pcople'va. 
their mouth.s, when ambition and self aggrandizement are the true mo- 
tives for their action. In a republican government, it is the duty of its 
citizens to submit to, and obey the laws of their country, and the legiti- 
mate acts of the government ; and if any of them are burdensome and 



Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 395 

oppressive, they are to be redressed and removed by means amply provided 
for by the constitu(^n of our country. When the lute war was deohired, 
I was opposed tq the measure because I thoui^ht we were not properly 
prepared to contend with so powerful a nation, and that it mi;,'ht havo 
been avoided by negotiation; but when it was determined by lawful authority, 
I gave it my warm and zealous support. Its result wa.s glorious to our 
country, it gave us an eminent rank among the nations of Europe, and 
secured to us a military fame that will be lasting and bonelicial." 

General Peter Gansevoort was then appointed secretary. The objects 
of the meeting were then explained by Philip S. Parker, Esq., in a speech 
of some length, in which iMr. Parker stated the very extraordinary 
proceedings of a meeting held at llockwell's Mansion House, on the 
21st, in which the post master general was in direct terms denounced, 
and the heads of departments of general government unjustly denounced, 
fti account of the recent appointment of a deputy post maater for this 
city. That meeting had produced so much excitement in the public 
mind, that many x)f the republicans of the city had been induced to call 
a meeting of the citizens friendly to the general and state administrations. 
Mr. Parker remarked with great force on the impropriety of enlisting 
and engaging the general government in the petty party feuds in a state, 
county or town, and he could not believe that any man wlio would urge 
Buch a measure and endeavor to draw the heads of department into it, 
could be actuated by friendly motives for the government and its per- 
petuity ; but on the contrary, must be governed by narrow, selfish and 
interested views. That the manifest inconsistency of the vice president 
and the senators from this state, in relation to the same appointment, 
was so great that he was astonished at their conduct. That Mr. King, a 
high toned federalist and ci-devant leader of the party, should object to 
the appointment of General Van Rensselaer as a deputy post m:iater 
lecause he was a federal 1st, is truly remarkable. Mr. Parker sUted as a 
fact very notorious, in this city and state, that the vice president and 
Mr. Van IJuren were zealous and active supporters, and contributed much 
to the election of Mr. King to the senate of the United States, notwith- 
standing he ica.? a /er/cnt/w/' .' And that very many of that party who 
during the late war, used every exertion to thwart the views and opera- 
tions of the general, as well as the government of this sLate, while 
General Van Rensselaer was fighting "the battles of his country and 
spilling his blood in its defense, having been taken by Mr. Van Huren 
into full confidence, and through his controlling influence over the 
council of appointment of this state, have been appoilited to honor- 
able and lucrative offices. That the inconsistency of the vice president 
was still more glaring. During the late war, the same General Van 
Rensselaer held the office of adjutant general; and at the niost import- 
ant crisis, and when his services were considered essential in military 
operations, and as soon as the wounds which he had then received, so 
recently in fightinu' the battles of his country, would enable him to act, 
he was taken into the vice president's military family (then commander- 
in-chief of this state) and placed at the head of his personal staff as 
adjutant general, and continued in that office during the vice presidents 
administration of the government of this state, and when he accepted the 
office of vice president left the adjutant general in office. Mr. Parker 
observed, that there was one fact iu relation to this transaction, wiiich 
rendered the vice president still more iuconsistent, and that was,. his 



396 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

signing a recommendation in favor of the Hon. John Lansing, Jr., as 
deputy post master, in which he declares that Mr. Lailfeing "is now and 
always has been a firm and inflexible republican" — the. vice president 
must have forgotten that a few weeks since, he stated in public debate in 
the convention of this state, that Mr. Lansing was a quid, and that the 
quids acted in concert with the federalists in opposition to the republican 
party. . 

Mr. Parker alluded in a very handsome manner to the valuable services 
rendered by Gen. Van Rensselaer to his country, of his readiness at all 
times to risk his life in defense of its rights and honor; of the severe 
wounds he had received in the two wars in which he had served, and that 
the post master general was actuated by the most noble and honorable 
feelings in preferring such a companion in arms, a brother soldier with 
whom he had served, and one whom he knew to be honest, brave and 
skillful. Mr. Parker said he could not refrain from declaring his gratifi- 
cation that such a man, so deserving (by whatever political name he may 
be distinguished), ^Ae Ar^ro of two wars, had received from the government 
of his country an appointment, the income of which would enable him to 
support an amiable and numerous family, which in consequence of his 
wounds, at this period of his life, he is otherwise unable to furnish. 

Of the resolutions, among others read to the meeting by the secretary 
and unanimously adopted : Resolved, that the obtrusive and persevering 
interference of the vice president of the United States and the Senators 
from this state in the appointment of a deputy post master for this city, 
were not warranted by any importance or influence, which the office con- 
ferred ; and was incompatible with official decorum; and foreign from 
their legitimate duties ; and that it received a merited rebuke in the prompt- 
ness of the measures which were adopted by the general government ; 
and that the subsequent transmission to this city of the communications 
which took place on that occasion by Daniel D. Tompkins and Martin 
Van Buren, for the purpose of exciting dissatisfaction with the national 
administration and producing an angry appeal to the people, was an act 
greatly to be deprecated, as well from its intrinsic demerits, as the per- 
nicious example of insubordination and contumely which it exhibits to the 
community. John Tayler, Chairman. 

Peter Gansevoort, Secretary. 

Federal Meeting on Janua/ry 29iA. 
"Resolved, That the appointment of the Hon. Solomon Van Rens- 
selaer, our late representative of this city, is highly gratifying to our 
feelings ; that we view it as an evidence of honorable and patriotic senti- 
ments on the part of the administration of the general government, and 
that in our opinion, the manifestation of the same spirit of independence 
in future appointments, will, in a great measure allay the unhappy dis- 
sensions which have heretofore prevailed in our country, will elevate the 
character of our government, and give stability to our republican institu- 
tions." 
Henry B. Davis, Sec'ry. Matthew Trotter, Ch'n. 

The nomination of the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer met their 
cordial approbation and he was so informed by the secretary. 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 397 

lion. John D. Dickinson to Oen. Van Bemseltur. 
Dear Sir, Wa^shin^ton Jany. '1\), 1>L'J. 

I am this evening favored with yours of 22d, including thu Argus — 
and shall impatiently wait the arrival of the proceedings of the uieetitig 
of the Citizens you mention in Support of the Administration — nothing 
shall be omitted on my part — but 1 am very anxious to have it in my 
power to show the fallacy of the Statements of the Strength against y(ju. 
I will see the Secretary at War and (!ol. Johnson in the morning. N'au 
Buren has left us and gone with Mr. King to Georgetown to reside. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Ks(j., Yours Sincerely. 

Post Master, Albany, N. Y. Jno. J). Dickinson. 

Hon. Walter Patterson to Oen. Van Re^iasvUicr. 

My Dear Sir, Washington Jany. 29, 1822. 

Mr. Calhoun, this morning, requested me to urge your trending your 
resignation to the /Speaker, to enable him to supply your place on the 
Military Committee. This gentleman told me that the administration 
cared nothing about the Albany resolutions of Messrs Savage and Co. 
And Gales said to me, that they were disgraceful to the parties concerned, 
you will please to consider this confidential for the present. The Ratio 
will probably be 40,000 — possibly under that number. Van Ruren is 
determined, if possible, to remove the Post Master General, but he has 
not the power, though he possesses the wi/l. Yours truly &c. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. W. Pattkrson. 

John D. Dickinson to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington Feb., 4 1822. 

We were the last evening favored with the proceedings of the last 
meeting in Albany the address of the venerable Chairman is much ad- 
mired by all persons. I do not think from what I hear on the subject 
that you have any thing to apprehend from the effect of the resolutions 
and remonstrances of your opponents as yet presented — butl very much 
regret that anything should have induced you to delay so long your resigna- 
tion and sending it to the Speaker. It has the appearance, On your 
part, of intentionally aiding theVadioals on the military committee, to 
harrass the Secretary at War, and President, by maturing and bringing 
forward measures hostile to the army. This you will however expli- 
citly understand I am perfectly certain would not have been your intention, 
but the circumstance is very generally regretted by your friends. The 
Military Committee have this morning reported a J5ill similar to the one 
of the last session and are engaged in other measures of a similar import. I 
am asked, ''why did Mr. V. R. take so irregular a course as to send 
his resignaion to the Gov. of New Y'ork when the regular and universal 
course is to send it to the Speaker, and for the house to give the informa- 
tion to the Governor." I give it to you as I very frequently receive it. 
Your memorial of Sundry Merchants and the petition of the inhabiUmts 
and Merchants of your City on the subject of the manufactory of Iron 
have been presented and referred. Let me ask you to write me often and 
keep me informed of the state of party feelings and proceedings in your 
city and command me freely if I can be of service to you here. 

Y'ours Sincerely, Jno. D. Dickinson. 
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer. 



398 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



Hon. Josliua Cushman to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Pear Sir, Washington Feb 14, 1822. 

Though I sincerely regretted your retirement from our House, yet I 
was more tlian consoled by the reflection, that you were placed in the 
bosom of your family with an office, the emoluments of which would afford 
you an honorable subsistence. The sentiments which I felt and now 
express, were, I presume, responded by your numerous friends in both 
branches of the national Legislature. Every one thought your appoint- 
ment well merited on your part, and judicious on the part of the Go- 
vernment. Judge then of our Surprise, when we learned that certain char- 
acters high in office^ on the spot, had been conspiring against you, and that 
assemblages nearer home, were excited to an extraordinary procedure. 

You know that I am a Republican, that I came into public life through 
republican auspices ; and that I am most devoted to republican principles 
of Government — but never did I, for a moment, believe that true, genu- 
ine, substancial Republicanism consisted in depressing men of talents and 
virtue, in a spirit of dictation to the powers that be, or in restraining these 
powers in the regular exercises of their authority. Granting Sir, that 
you have not approved all the measures which have been adopted by all 
our Administrations — yet I have always conceived your mind deeply im- 
bued with the sentiments and maxims of the Washington School, which 
being again reduced to practice, are restoring respectability and harmony 
to the nation. Allowing also that, with many patriots and Statesmen, 
you entertained the opinions that the late war might have been avoided — 
yet, when that war was declared, like a loyal citizen, you yielded your 
judgment to that of the constituted Authorities; and like a brave man, 
you fought and bled, and did all that was in your power to give it success 
and to carry it on with efficiency. Surely greater partriotism hath no 
man than to lay down his life for his country. In reflecting on the treat- 
ment, which you have received, or the excitement caused by your ap- 
pointment, I know not what sensations to indulge, whether of grief or 
indignation. 

I am overwhelmed with sorrow, and sunk under a weight of humilia- 
tion, to find men wearing the name of Republicans, and yet offering 
violence to every civil virtue, and* assuming an air of importance which 
would ill become an absolute and perpetual Dictator. 

In the midst of my griefs and painful emotions, I have a solace, arising 
from the belief that Republicans such as these, however they may prevail 
in some sections, are far from being the majority in our country, and that 
the good sense of the people will counteract their designs and defeat their 
machinations. 

I do believe, notwithstanding the clamors of a few, the nation, in general, 
rejoices in your preferment, and also conceives this, and more than this, 
due to your patriotism and valor. You are no stranger to the aspect 
and the bearing of things in our country. Notwithstanding appearances 
of health and soundness, it is to be feared that there is something rotten 
in Denmark. 

When the whole head is sick, the whole heart cannot but be faint ; 
languor seizes on the limbs. At a crisis like the approaching, what could 
be more desirable than to place such a character [De Witt Clinton] as 
New York could furnish at the head of our Republic, to give it new -life, 
e])irit and vigor? It is witb you to make the comment. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 399 

You ar§ acquainted with uiy fec-liiigs — and T bej,' you to be assured of 
my most cordial wishes for the heahh and I'elicity of yourself and family. 

Joshua Cusiiman [of Maine] 
Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, State of New York. 

These congratulatory letters were not few or far between, another 
friend writes to him : " I know dear General, you will probably smile, 
when you get my letter that I should write fo you, but 1 know you so 
well that I know wherever you are, you must be respected, and, of course 
possess that degree of influence which is your due. I also know your 
nobleness of nature will ever prompt you, with an unremitting perseve- 
rance, to assist your friends ; nay, I have known you sacrifice your inte- 
rests, and almosf j/ourself to them, without hope of reward, or expectation 
of even a grateful return. I thank heaven you are now quietly seated in 
a prosperous situation and may live as you please. You arc entitled to 
my gratitude as a friend not only, but you have just claims upon my 
reverence, as a Patriot also ; of whom I feel proud. Our visit to you still 
furnishes many pleasing reflections, and elicits repeated acknuwledge- 
ments of your gentlemanly attentions, and the kind liospitality of your 
interesting famil3\ It aff'ords me pleasure to say, that my house will 
ever be open to them all ; and that I shall esteem a visit from yourself, or 
them, either long, or short, at all times, not only a pleasure, but an honor. 
With kindest regards, I must .say farewell." 

" AVe extremely regret to mention that on Saturday night, Feb. 16, 
1822, the dwelling house, of General ^'an Kenssclaer, one mile suuth of 
the city at Mount Hope, was consumed by fire, with much valuable property 
which was in it at the time. It was the work of incendiaries, who after 
having set fire to the house, broke into the room in which the geperal'a 
son, Kensselaer Van Rensselaer, slept (the rest of the family residing in 
town) with intention no doubt to murder him, but who, being awakened 
by the noise, sprang from his bed, and seizing his musket, placed himself 
in a corner of the room, and with uncommon presence of mind, as the 
villains entered, called out, ^^ Fire mi/ lads.'" and at the same time dis- 
charging his piece, and rushing upon them, so alarmed them with the 
idea that he had friends with him, that they fled with great precipitation, 
but in passing through a narrow hall he was knocked down by one of 
them, and lay for some minutes stunned on the floor, where he was fuund 
by his hired man, who slept in an adjacent apartment and who alarmed 
by the report of a musket, now flew to his aid. The flames wore already 
bursting from the house in several directions, and their attention was 
called to saving the property instead of pursuing the villains who had 
disappeared, but whose track through the snow plainly pointed out the 
course they had taken. In addition to the reward of !?5U<.i utlered in the 
proclamation of his excellency the governor [De Witt Clinton] on the 
occasion ; General Van Rens.selaer ofl'ers the like reward of SSHO for the 
discovery of the person or persons who were concerned in this most ne- 
farious transaction. Tracks of blood were discovered the next morning to 
the turnpike and three men were seen running down the hill by the hired 
men. The object of the attack was })robably to gain possession of the 
sum S50U which he was to pay into the Bank." 



400 Legacy of Historical GiEANiNas. 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. . • 

My Dear Sir, Georgetown Feb. 19, 1822. 

I just received from Mr. Davis a letter announcing the concurrence of a 
Meeting'- of my fellow Citizeas of Albany with the County Convention as 
their representative. 

The letter was deposited in your Box and accidentally I discovered it. 
You will have the goodness to make this apology for me to Mr. Davis, the 
Secretary and my friends for my apparent neglect in not answering the 
communication, it is now too late. Van Buren told me Hammond of 
Cherry Valley had written to him, that the Governor would decline. 

I conjecture he has forwarded to B — his adhesion. 

Pray write to me the news and who will be the next Candidate for the 
Chair. How would the Secretary of the Navy [Smith Thompson] go down ? 
V. Buren thinks and speaks of Judge Yates. 

Offer my respects to all my friends. Your friend, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. S. V. Rensselaer. 

" In 1822 Governor De Witt Clinton declining a re-election, he was 
succeeded by Joseph C Yates. During this year (1822), the constitution 
of the state having been revised by a convention at Albany the preceding 
year, was accepted by the people in January. During the summer of 1822 
the yellow fever made great depredations in New York city. From the 
13th day of July to the 2d of November, twelve hundred and thirty-six 
persons died. On the 2-lth of August, the city presented the appearance 
of a town beseiged. From day break till night, one line of carts, contain- 
ing boxes, merchandise and effects, were seen moving towards Greenwich 
village or other country places." 

Joseph Delaplaine to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1822. 

I take the liberty of soliciting the favour of you to furnish me within 
a few weeks, should you have leisure, a very brief account of such subjects, 
in relation to your Section of our country as you feel interested to see in 
the picture of the U. States, and for which I shall give you credit in the 
publication, unless you direct otherwise. Deriving no emolument from 
this work, I respectfully request you to have the goodness to favour me so 
much as to transmit whatever I may be honoured with, by such convey- 
ance as will be attended with no expense. Should you decline giving at- 
tention to the Subject, I trust you will have the kindness to place it into 
the hands of some competent individual. Albany merits a very particular 
account in the work. It gives me pleasure to mention, that your Portrait 
in my Gallery is recognized by all who know you. With every Sentiment 
of respect, I am, dear Sir, Your obedt. Svt. 

JosErn Delaplaine. 

Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Post Master, Albany. 

The above mentioned portrait was the most strikingly correct likeness, 
ever taken of Gen. Van Rensselaer, and for many years was in Philadel- 
phia, but subsequently purchased by P. T. Barnuui, Esq. Different 
members of Gen. \'an Rensselaer's family, when in New York, repeatedly 
tried to obtain possession of this valuable picture, but they were told by 
the proprietor that " money could not buy it." 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 401 

A few ycar'J since, when " Barnum's Museum" wiis desfroyed by Gro, 
unfortunately this cherished purtruit with the rest of his truly valuahlo 
collection was reduced to ashes. 

"Washington, iMarch 12, 1822. A new member, to wit: from the 
state of New York — Stephen Van UENs.sEr..vKH, elected to supply tho 
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Solomon Van Ren.s.sklaku 
appeared, produced his credentials, and took his seat; the oath to 
support the constitution of the United States being first administered to 
him by the speaker." 

"The venerable Stephen Van Rensselaer is a man whose head is now 
whitened by the frosts of many winters, who has held many important 
trusts, both in the general and state governments, with credit to himself 
and honor to the state, and a man whom, in the most bitter party times 
the voice of disapprobation has never followed from any of the public 
stations, to which he had been elevated by the confidence of his fellow 
citizens : a man of the most unblemished character, whose purse strings 
have never been known to be drawn against the cries of want and distress : 
a man whose extreme liberality has long since become proverbial, and is 
universally known throughout the country as the most eflicient protector 
and supporter of the arts and sciences, and whose name is identified with 
many of the most valuable seminaries of learning in our state: and is ia 
fact the most unexceptionable man whom our state affords, whose judg- 
ment and discretion have never been called in question until a party of 
Anti-Masons sought to empty their vials of wrath upon his head and to 
immolate upon their altar because he announced his acceptance of the 
office of grand master." General Van llensselaer was now fifty-eight years 
of age, and the Almanac of life, in the progressive stage of his existence, 
showed this to be, the month of September when the season of labor is 
nearly over. " The harvest of life is gathered in, and the days are consi- 
derably shortened, and his toil ended." 

Reuben Tower to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Sangerfield, Oneida Co., March 25, 1822. 

A week ago to-day a man came to my Distillery and offered to work for 
me. Wishing to employ help I set him to work at 810 a mouth to work 
for a year if he suited me. In the course of the week I found he would 
drink to excess, and at the end of the week I dismissed him. Since ho 
went away, from what he told my workmen I am pretty well persuaded 
that he may have been wounded in setting fire to your house and other 
acts of violence on your son. He called his name George Edge ; said he 
" lived when at home within J of a mile of your house that was burnt." 
and that his " wife now kept a tavern," that ho " had been from homo 
about 5 weeks." That he had been on the Delaware river, and went to 
the great bend on the Susquehanna and from thence he came up the Che- 
nango to this place. His having left hom^ about the time your house 
was burnt and having straggled about in this manner raised the suspicion 
in my mind for he is a very susj)icious person. He professes to be a 
miller by trade, is very well clad — indeed his clothes are better considera- 
bly than most of people who labor for a living. He is a stout built robust 
lookiui,' fellow about 5 ft. 10 inches 'in height of light complexion, said 
he was born in England. Although a stranger to you I am induced to 
give you this information, it may and it may not amount to much. \ ou 

51 



402 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

probably may recollect who I am, when I relate to you that in 1812, 
when you went from Sackett's Harbor to Oswego in company with Gen. 
Stephen Van Rensselaer in a clam-shell of a boat, that I then had the 
care of the guard of about i dozen men who went with you. We went 
ashore at the mouth of Salmon River late at night and your Hon. friend 
John Lovett slept in an Oven. 

I am Dear Sir, yours Very Respectfully, 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq., P. M., Albany. Reuben Tower. 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington, April 9, 1822. 

The reason of my locating myself at Georgetown was the Company : 
Otis — Mills — Gorham — Mercer — Warfield — all very fine fellows and 
the exercise I should be obliged to take in consequence of the distance 
would contribute to my health. Van Buren, I understood, was at 
Strothers, but found him at Rradly's contrary to my expectations, and the 
mess would not consent to my removing. 

I made your friendly regards to Cols. Williams and Johnson; they 
often speak of you and hope you will discover the incendiaries. Col. 
Williams is in fovor of Crawford, he is the favourite at present being a 
Virginian ; that State will be in his favor unless they see a prospect for 
Clay as President. V. Buren was, when he arrived here, a Calhoun man, 
but he is at present, I fancy, in Crawford's interest. Skinner is here, 
they are assailing him and suspect they will change him. Sterling tells 
me, that the Pennsylvania members are generally for Calhoun, but their 
Senators are for Crawford and I think Findley will bring them over ; they 
talk of Lowrie for Governor. Governor Clinton I think is rising in 
public estimation the more they appreciate his character. I have en- 
deavoured to remove their objections ; they represent him as an intriguer 
and as dangerous a man as Bu7-r was. If he retires a few years, his weight 
of Character will be acknowledged and hewill rise. 

Let me hear from you the news as often as you have leisure. 

Your friend, 

S. V. Rensselaer. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y, 

Judge Conkling to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, * Canajoharie Sept. 27, 1822. 

The friendly interest which you manifested when I last saw you in 
Albany in regard to my re-election to Congress, induces me to take this 
early occasion to apprise you of the nomination of Mr. John W. Cady as 
my successor, at a meeting of our delegates on yesterday in Johnstown. 
Considering what pa.ssed between you and 3Ir. Daniel Cady at the August 
term, you will, I think, notwithstanding your thorough acquaintance with 
tlic nature of mankind, be a little surprised at this result. These gentle- 
men are kinsmen and partners. There was a strong disposition among 
our friends to nominate Mr. Daniel Cady for Senator, but on being spoken 
to a wiick or two ago upon the subject, he declined the honor; and it may 
perhaps increase your surprise to learn, that the motive ascribed to him 
for so doing, was a desire to favor the views of my rival. In this how- 
ever, great injustice may have been done him — for it is nothing less than 
the imputation of gross hypocrisy, practiced not toward you alone, but 
some of my friends in this county also. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 40<i 

What I have said of him therefore, I desire that you will, for the pres- 
ent, consider coufideutial. As it re<,'ard3 my own feelinijs in this matter, 
I am happy to have it in my power to say, that I am not mortilied. nor 
much disappointed. I have known for some time that Mr. (jady waa 
making great exertions in different parts of the county to ensure his sue- 
cess, and delegates have been selected with a special view to that ohject. 
For myself, I early determined to abstain altogether, from any such inter- 
ference, even in my own town, and have insisted upon the same course of 
conduct on the part of my friends; and I have the satisfaction to be well 
assured, that public sentiment, could it have been brought to act spontan- 
eously, would have produced a different result. Mr. Fish is nominated 
for Senator, and, what I am highly gratified with, Mr. Huntington for 
Lieutenant Governor. It is understood that he will not decline, and that 
his nomination will be promptly concurred in, in several other counties. 
With much esteem and respect, I remain 

dear Sir, Your friend and humble Servt, 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. A. Conklinq. 

Secretary of State to Oen. Van RemseUur. 
Sir, Department of State, Washington, 2d November lH2li. 

I have forwarded to you a Copy of the Additional Census of Alabama, 
in virtue of an Act of Congress of the 7th of March last; the receipt of 
which you will be pleased to acknowledge. I have the honour to be, very 
respectfully, Sir, Your obedient and very humble servant, 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany, N. Y. J. Q. Ad.\ms. 

" Hon. John Quincy Adams is one of the intellectual prodigies who.se 
character distinguishes Eras of time. A hundred years hence the Ame- 
rican annals will show only two names, lienjamin Franklin and George 
Washington, brighter than that of the ' old man elo(}uent,' the illustrious 
statesman. The tender little prayer, ' Now 1 lay mk down to .sleei',' 
the first one taught John Quincy Adams by the mother whose memory 
was so dear to him to the last, was repeated by him every night when he 
went to bed ; and he continued to do so till the day of his death." 

Judge Van Ness to Gen. Van Rensselaer and Dr. Bay. 
My dear friends. New York Monday Dec. 30th, 1822. 

This year is about drawing to a close, and I wish to terminate it in 
peace with all mankind if I can. I wrote you a letter some time ago con- 
taining no doubt many expressions higlily improper, cruel and unjust ; 
the only atonement 1 can make is to ask your pardon and forgiveness. 

My Wife, myself and servant (by the advice of Dr. Post) sail for Char- 
leston on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday depending on wind and 
weather. If you should become reconciled to me let me hear from you 
both every once in a while. May God enable you, may God suffer you to 
enjoy many happy returns of the season. Your sincere friend. 

W. W. Van Nkss. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer and William Ray. Albany. 

The above letter was the last epistolary record wc fin<l of this noble 
man. " William W. Van Ness was born at Claverack, in the county of 
Columbia, in 177G, and died at Cliarleston, South Carolina, on Thursday, 
27th of February, 1823, in the forty-eighth year of hia age. 



404 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" He studied law with John Bay, Esq., of Claverack. (His son, Dr. Wil- 
liam Bay, married a sister of Judge Van Ness. There was a slight mis- 
understanding between the gentlemen.) Mr. Van Ness was licensed an 
attorney at the age of twenty-one years ; was elected to the assembly in 
1805 and in 1807 was appointed a judge of the supreme court, where 
he officiated about fifteen years. He possessed talents and acquirements 
fitted to adorn the most exalted stations. At the close of his judicial 
labors he opened a law-office in the city of New York, but his health soon 
declined, and he traveled south for the recovery of his health. Alas, it 
was in vain, the hand of death fixed upon his vitals, and he breathed his 
last sigh far from the scenes of his triumphs and delights, the endearments 
of home, and the sympathetic condolence of his weeping friends, in a land 
of strangers, yet soothed by the ministrations of his gentle wife. 

" Only those that were intimately acquainted with his character, who 
knew the magnanimity of his soul, the dignity and purity of his public 
deportment, and the amiable virtues of his private life, can fully appreciate 
his worth. It is only those who have listened with admiration at his elo- 
quence, who have been astonished at the vast comprehension of his mind 
on the bench, or have hung with rapture upon his words in the senate, 
can tell the extent and brilliancy of his talents. He was beloved and ad- 
mired by Hamilton. That great and immortal man was heard to say, 
that he ever derived relief and pleasure from association with him in pro- 
fessional avocations. Commanding indeed, must have been that eloquence, 
great and comprehensive that intellect, which could insure to a youth a 
parallel rank with the eminent Hamilton. As an advocate, equally dis- 
tinguished for the splendor of bis genius and strength of judgment, he 
stood at an early age in the front rank of bis profession. Discriminating 
in the elicitation of truth, no sophistry could withstand, no art elude his 
intuitive penetration. Careless of the acquisition of wealth, he left little 
of it to his bereaved family. But he has left to them and to posterity, a 
legacy more valuable than riches, more durable than marble. 

" His remains were brought from Charleston and buried in the church 
yard at Claverack, a plain, simple stone marks the spot where his sacred 
relics sleep. The memory of his virtues will long be fresh and green in 
the midst of us," 

Judge Alfred Conkling to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 11, 1823. 

The more I have reflected upon the subject of fixing my future resi- 
dence in your city, the more unwilling I have become to abandon my pro- 
ject of doing so. But I entertain so many doubts about the expediency 
or rather safety of the measure, that I have become very anxious to learn 
from you the result of the inquiries you so obligingly off'ered to make in 
regard to it. I am particularly desirous of ascertaining whether a part- 
nership would be agreeable to Mr. Parker. [Philip S. Parker.] As it re- 
spects Mr. Hammond, I have recently received a letter from him, in 
which he mentioned some circumstances relating to his views, that render 
it improbable that any such connexion will be formed between him and 
me. If thereibre you have not already sounded him upon the subject, 
you need not give yourself the trouble of doing so. But let me hear from 
3/ou my dear 8ir, as soon as convenient. We are beginning to look with 
great interet^t for news from Albany. I hope we will receive the Gover- 
nor's Message tomorrow. It was very much in character for General 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 405 

Root to insist upon commencing;; the session on the first of January 
in_ opposition to the chief justice. The (ieneral, I suppose, will bo for 
radical measures, and if his influence sliould be predominant in the Senate 
I think there is reason to apprehend much mischief from it. 

Before this reaches you, you will probably have heard of the nomina- 
tion of Mr. Clinton on the •J4th of last month by the citizens of Cincin- 
nati, at a meeting of which the Mayor of that city was chairman. They 
have given a very able and well written exposition of their reasons fur 
prefering Mr. Clinton to the other candidates, which I have just read. 

Cannon's favorite bill, providing for tlie encampment of the militia offi- 
cer, after two days debate is laid upon the table, where I think its sleep 
•will be eternal. Thus far things have gone on in our house smoothly and 
well. No calls for information for the purpose of implicating presidential 
candidates and less idle talk. You will be gratilied to learn that our Iriend 
Mr. Golden [Cadwallader D. Colden], though still indiscreet, occupies 
much more advantageous groijnd than he did last session. Mr. Wood 
[Silas Wood] is as indefatigable as ever and talks as much about LaSale, 
Clavigero &c. Tracy [Albert H. Tracy] still insists that there is no 
honesty in the world, and nothing worthy of ambition. (Jeneral Cook re- 
turned a few days since from a visit to the KipKaps and has become a 
convert. With perfect truth, I remain dear Sir, 

Your friend and hum Servt., 

A. CO.NKLING. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer Esqr., P. M. Albany, N. Y. 

" Upon the expiration of his terra (to the .seventeenth congress in which 
his recognized talents gave him honorable rank) the Hon. Alfred Conkling 
removed to the city of Albany and engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion. It was while residing here in 1S25 that President John (.juincy 
Adams nominated and (he senate unanimously confirmed him as judge of 
the United States district court for the northern district of New York. 
This office he held for more than a quarter of a century. His strong judi- 
cial faculties, his high sense of honor and ample culture well fltted him 
for it." 

Han. Henry Clay to Oen. Van Ren»sel(icr. 
Dear General, Washington March 18, 1823. 

I take the liberty of inclosing to your care a letter for (rcn. Porter, not 
knowing whether he may not have left Albany, in which case I pray you 
to have the goodness to give it the proper destination to reach him. 

I seize the occasion to assure you of my continued esteem and regard 
for you, and to say that I have derived great pleasure from learning that 
your friendly sentiments towards me, inspired during our mutual service in 
the H. of R. remain unabated. 

Be pleased to say to the Patroon that I hope he found on his arrival at 
home, every thing as he would have it. 

I am faithfv & Cordially yr. ob. Scrvt. 

H. Clav. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer P. M. Albany, New Y'ork. 

It was during this session that the resolution, introduced by the Hon. 
Daniel Webster, was discussed, and urged by him iu one of the ablest 
speeches ever pronounced iu congress, providing for the recognition of 
the independence of Greece. It received the most cordial support of Mr. 



406 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Clay, but failed of success. "Although between Mr. Clay and President 
Monroe, upon many important questions, a serious difFereuce of opinion ex- 
isted he had been offered a seat in the Cabinet and a carte blanche of all 
the foreii^u misssions. He declined all these proffered honors, from aset- 
tled conviction that he could be better employed for his country in con- 
gress. James Monroe was a kind man, and a safe one. He might possi- 
bly have been elected president for the third time had he suffered himself 
to be a candidate. His public ambition was gratified by seeing his coun- 
trymen prosperous, at peace, and happy, while as for private ambition he 
had none at all." 

An interesting reminiscence of this time was the Opening of the Erie 
Canal. " Governor De Witt Clinton is the only highly responsible politi. 
cal man who can justly lay claim to be the parent of the project. For 
many years he was persecuted as a visionary projector; he became a strong 
partizan in favor of the Erie canal, and it is owing to the bold stand which 
he took in favor of this great enterprise that his popularity in a measure 
was owing. In the summer of "1810, he went on a tour, with other com- 
missioners, for exploring the route of this work. The great enterprise 
was commenced July 4, 1817 and finished October 26, 1825, a canal of 
363 miles long, built in eight years, and so eminently successful, has it 
proved, that it has given rise to a multitude of similar works. To Gov. 
Clinton was assigned the compliment of removing the first earth of the 
excavation. 

" When the eastern section of the canal was completed; the passage of 
the first boats, from the Genesee river at the west, and from Whitehall 
at the head of Lake Champlain on the north, into the tide water of the 
Hudson river, was celebrated at Albany October 8, 1828, with some cere- 
mony. Large committees, from New York city and other places on the 
canal route, attended at Albany on this interesting and memorable occasion. 
The first boat which entered the lock was the De Witt Clinton ; having 
on board, the governor [De Witt Clinton], the mayor [Charles E. Dudley], 
and corporation of Albany, canal commissioners with many other citizens. 
Another boat followed filled with ladies. 

" The cap-stone of the lock was laid with masonic ceremonies, by the 
fraternity who appeared in great numbers, robed in very grand costume. 
The waters of the Genesee river. Lake Champlain and of the ocean were then 
mingled, after which the lock gates were opened and the ' De Witt Clinton ' 
majestically sunk upon the bosom of the Hudson. 

•' After the military and civic procession the day was concluded with a 
banquet at which there was ' the feast of reason and the flow of soul.' 
These festivities were concluded with a splendid ball on Thursday, Octo- 
ber 9th; on which occasion the grand military band from West Point 
officiated to the manifest delight of the fair sex. 

" The entire community are now fully satisfied that the funds subscribed, 
for the purpose of cutting a canal, have been a profitable investment. 
The difference of level and the face of the country were such as to justify 
a belief that the opening of this canal will not be less practicable than 
useful ; and they now anxiously look forward to its entire completion, 
with a well founded hope, that this water communication for conveying 
produce to market will be a vast acquisition to the commerce of this state. 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 407 

8. Thayer to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Sir, Military Academy, West Point Oct \\. KS"j;). 

I have had the honor to receive your polite invitation to a JJinner and 
ball on the 8th of Gctober in celebration of the passa-^'c of the first boatn 
from the Erie and Cliamplaiu Canals into the Hudson, and rej;ret that it 
will not be in my power to be present on this interesting and memorable 
occasion. The Military Band will proceed to Albany agreeably to your 
request on the evening of the 7th instant. 

I am very respectfully, Your obcd't Servt. 

Major General Solomon Van liensselaer, Albany. S. Yiia,ver. 

Governor Van Ness to Gen. Van Ihusseldfr. 
Dear Sir, Burlington, Vermont. Nov. 12, ]H2'.i. 

I have for some time past had it in view to write you on the delay of 
the letters between New York and this place, but owing to hurry of busi- 
ness and absence from home, it has hitherto been neglected. Letters 
sent from New York ior Burlington, are generally I'rom G to 8 days by the 
way, when, as it appears to me, they should in no instance be over 4 days. 
I have thought the delay was occasioned at your ofliee,and in this way, tiiat 
the letters which arrive from New York at your ofliee on Tuesday evenings 
are not ibrwarded to this place by Wednesday morning's mail, but lay 
over till Friday morning ; and the same with those that arrive Thurs- 
days and Sundays, that is, that the former lay over till Monday morning, 
and the latter till Wednesday morning. I'erhaps I am mistaken, but I 
have not been able to account for the delay in any other way. Being 
perfectly satisfied however, that if it is in your power to remedy the diffi- 
culty, it will be cheerfully and promptly done, I have taken the liberty to 
address you on the subject. 

I have lately been informed that your General — Stephen Van Rensse- 
laer not long since stated to a Gentleman from this State that the Ver- 
nionters did not know the Dutchman they had elected, or were about to 
elect their Governor, but that they would find him out. As I have never 
injured the General in thought, word or deed, and have not even the 
honour of a personal acquaintance with him, I am bound to suppose that, 
in making these insinuations, he was governed by other than personal 
motives, and if he thinks he can support any f net giving a different com- 
plexion to ray character from what it now bears to the people of this Slate, 
I have no objections to his making the attempt. I shrink from no in- 
vestigation of my public or private character. 

I am with respect and esteem, 

Your Obt. Servt. 

The Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer. C. P. Van Ness. 

Cornelius P. Van Ness was a younger brother of lion. W. P. Van Ne!*s. 
"In 1806 he emigrated to the state of \'ermont and fi.xed his resilience at 
St. Albans, about twenty miles from the Canada frontier; he there 
commenced the study of law. In 1^09 he removed to Burlington, the 
largest and most important town in the state of Vermont, for the purpose 
of pursuing his profession. In 1818, he was elected a member of the 
general assembly of the state for the town of Burlington, and was re- 
elected the three following years. During the last year of his legislative 
service (1821,) he was appointed justice of the supreme court of the 
state of Vermont; this office he held for two years, when he was elected 



408 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

governor; he filled the executive chair three years, having been twice 
reelected. In 1826, he declined a reelection and returned to the 
practice of his profession. In the year 1829, he was appointed, by 
President Jackson, minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to 
Spain. After an absence of ten years from his native country, he re- 
turned to Vermont. Mr. Van Ness possessed talents of a high order, and 
he occupied for a long time a large space in the public mind; he had a 
celebrated and glorious career." 

TJie Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Dec. 1, 1823. 

We assembled this morning and expected a contested Election for 
Speaker's chair. Taylor behaved like a man, and when the Clerk called 
for the Ballots for Speaker he made a Speech and declined, he would 
have been elected on the second Ballot but chose to disgrace Barbour / 
jyrcsume. I have had no conversation with him on his declining. Poor 
Barbour had only 42 Votes. Pennsylvania agreed unanimously to vote 
on the Second Ballot for Taylor. Our State generally for Clay, the former 
officer elected unanimously. Pray inform the Governor of Vermont, with 
whom 1 have no personal acquaintance that his informant is mistaken. 
I never heard any imputation on his Character, and rather thought well 
of the Vermonters for their liberality in electing a Dutchman, of which 
I was proud. I have no recollection of ever conversing on the subject. 

Many enquiries are made with respects &c., for you. Love to your 
family and be assured of my esteem. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. S. V. Rensselaer. 

"In the summer of 1823 Hon. Henry Clay was reelected to congress, 
without opposition ; and on taking his seat, upon the first ballot he was 
chosen speaker — receiving 139 votes, while Hon. P. P. Barbour, his op- 
ponent, received but 42. It was at this session that the recognition of 
South American independence and the revision of the tariff", in the passage 
of which Mr. Clay had taken a prominent and most efficient part, were 
eflfected and with it the establishment of the protective system." 

Governor Van Hess to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Burlington December 16th, 1823. 

Your letter of the 27th of November was duly received, and would have 
been sooner noticed, but for the hurry of some particular business. The 
Ilonl''e W. C. Bradly a member of Congress from this State, and now at 
Washington, gave me the information of what Gen' Stephen V. R. has 
said of me, though the remarks were not made to Mr. Bradly but to a 
Gentleman who repeated them to him. The.Gen^ may therefore be 
referred to Mr. Bradly. 

You may rest assured, my dear Sir — that the circumstances of former 
days to which you allude in your letter, have never been forgotten by me, 
and that the feelings which you express are fully reciprocated. I have 
always taken an interest in your welfare, though we have had but little 
personal intercourse; and I felt a peculiar anxiety for your success pend- 
ing the contest for the office you now hold. And if it should ever be 
my fortune to be placed in a situation in which I can render you any 
service, you will not find me backward in proving the Sincerity of these 
professions. Yours very cordially. 

The Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. C. P. Van Ness. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 409 

" There is no wound so deadly as that which calumny inflicts : there is 
no curse more bitter than that which rests upon the detainer of innocence. 
They who can invent or repeat a lie to injure another's fame, are the ha-scst 
and most execrable of human beings, because you never can cope with it." 

Tlte Patroon to Sol. Van Renssdaer. 
My Dear Sir, Washin.^t^jn Dec. 27, iH23. 

I enclo.se the letter from your friend and shall <,'ivc myself no further 
trouble on the subject. I have had an unplea-sant interview with the 
Post Mast. Genl., he regrets the occurrence and has promised me not to 
report without giving us notice. You will recollect that I wrote to you 
last winter that Crawford would be the Democratic Candidate and would 
succeed. I think so still. I have taken no part and have mentioned the 
reason to Calhoun and Clay. I am in the confidence of all the Candidates. 
I took an active part for Clay at the opening of the Session and we suc- 
ceeded, for which he has manifested his good will on several occasions. 
I am too old to engage in any active Electioneering business. 1 have 
worked against the Stream till I am exhausted and am now disposed to 
glide with the stream. I should advocate Mr. Clinton if I .saw any pros- 
pect of success, but as he is out of the question here, I am satisfied with 
either of the Candidates. Crawford is still ill, and it is doubtful if he i.s 
ever a well man again j he is confined to his room and often to his bed • 
his eyes are inflamed. His Physicians have changed his treatment and 
if that fails, his friends will despond. I saw him last week, he hwks 
wretched and emaciated but speaks strong. New England it is supposed 
will support Calhoun if Adams is out of the question. Pennsylvania will 
go for Jackson, efforts are making for Crawford by the Governor and Gal- 
latin to induce the Members to attend a Caucus to nominate Crawford. A 
nomination will be made next month or the beginning of February : it 
is reported here that Gov. Yates will be offered the Vice President's chair 
if he does not recommend an election by the people. Let me hear from 
you often. Conkling requested me to mention him with his respecta. J. 
Williams also; he speaks frequently of having written to you and received 
no answer. I am in great favor with all your friends. 

Ever yours Sincerely 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. S. V. Ke.vsselaer. 

J. B. Mower to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 5, 1824. 

Will you give me a letter of introduction, to your friend Richard M. 
Johnson, Senator from Kentucky ? I want one from you, because you and 
I, are New Y'^orkers. I shall have one from J. C. Calhoun also. I want 
to be well acquainted with Colonel Johnson. The talk here yesterday 
was, that Crawford was going to die (he is better to day), that should he 
die, then Mr. Adams would receive the benefit of Mr. Crawford's death. 
The Caucus is dead, and you may say so as strong as you pleiuso. If the 
Legislature passes the law (electoral) Do Witt (Minton is a strong man, 
you may depend. Look out for Combinations. Your friend. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. J. H. MowEii. 

Lewis Williams to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 13, 1S24. 

I thank you sincerely for your letter with its inclo.sure received on 
yesterday by the mail. New York and Virginia ought to resist the com- 

52 



410 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

bination amon"' the small States to throw the election into the House of 
llepreseDtatives. If the small States determine to bring things to that 
issue, the larger States owe it to themselves to prevent it if possible. 
From all the indications received I think Mr. Crawford's election as sure 
as any event of the kind can be. In Congress he has twice as many 
friends as any other candidate. But it is the object of his opponents to 
distract and divide the Electoral vote, so as to defeat him if possibly they 
can. But I trust they will be disappointed in this calculation. Every 
man acquainted with Crawford knows his worth, and as you are among 
the number of his acquaintances you will be able to correct many of the 
falsehoods and misrepresentations which have gone abroad. I am glad 
to be able to say to you that Crawford is getting well fast. He will be 
able to go abroad shortly. Your friend truly and Sincerely, 

Gen. Sol. Van Kensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Lewis Williams. 

J. B. Mower to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington City, Feb. 6, 1824. 

I am favored with your polite letter to Col. Johnson and I thank you 
for it. That part of the President's Message respecting 'Postmasters,' 
will not even get into the new bill, give yourself no trouble my friend, 
yoit are safe. Do inform me about the law, my letters and those of 
others, are very opposite. For instance. Root, Peter B. Porter, and Gen. 
McClure all write here, that the Electoral law will not pass; mine say it 
will. 1 have my fears. It is confidently asserted here. Sir, that General 
Jackson will be the strongest man at the Convention at Harrisburgh on 
the 4th of March. Your friend J. B. Mower. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. 

"The presidential election was now near at hand, and very early, pre- 
ferences had been avowed for particular candidates in various parts of the 
country. The legislatures of several states had brought forward their 
favored ones as competitors." 

The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington Feb. 15, 1824. 

I give the result of the miserable Caucus which was held last night in 
the Hall of the Rep. Chamber; the Gallery was crowded and overflowing. 
When the Ballot was declared there were heavy groans in the Gallery I 
was told. What eflPect it will have in our State among the legislature 
write to me. Jackson gains ground daily. Your friend Cocke did not 
attend although in favor of Crawford, he is denounced already. Judge 
Ruggles in the Chair. E. Calling, Sec. 16 of our delegation attended. 
President — Crawford 62 votes: Adams 2: Macon 1: Jackson 1. 
Vice-President — Gallatin 57 : Root 2: Adams 2: Rush 1 : Lowrie 1. 

Your friend, S. V. Rensselaer. 

Dear Sir, Washington Feb. 19, 1824. 

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from your exertions at the 
Fire, and am glad you succeeded, and hope you will soon be convalescent. 
I forwarded to you through the Post Office the Post Office Bill and will 
advise you of its progress, it is committed to a Com'tce of the whole. 
The new Tariff Bill, will occupy the house for a week or two longer. I 
believe there is no disposition to remove you by your old opponent. We 
are all waiting anxiously to hear what effect the Caucus will have in the 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 411 

N. York Lecrislature. It is expected Crawford will be nomiiiatod by thoin. 
Mr. Clay's friends expect the same ; poor Callioun it is thou^'bt will have 
to with-draw if Penusylvaiiia goes fur Jackson, who it is said luis a ma- 
jority of the nominatory com'tee to meet the 4lh of March at Ilarrisburgh. 
Write to me the news — if any occurs. Your friend. 

Gen. Sol. Van lleusselaer, Albany, N. Y. S. V. Renssblabb. 



CIIArTER XIX. 
Visit of General the Marquis de La Fayette. 

General Orders. 

" Navy Department, 17th Aut^ust, 1824. 

" The President of the United States directs that General La Fayette 
when he arrives in this country, be received at all the United States' 
Naval Stations, and by all the United States' ships in commission, with 
honors due to the highest rank in our service." 

In the year 1824 great preparations were making for some important 
event, and the cry — ' La Fayette's coming — La Fayette's comiii;/ " — 
was echoed far aud wide, and I — a little girl not yet seven years old — 
was as much interested as any one to see the revolutionary hero, tho 
valorous champion for our liberty. General the Marquis de La Fayette 
liad been invited to visit the United States as the guest of the nation, and 
a fine ship of war placed at his disposal. The invitation was accepted, 
but he had selected an ordinary sailing vessel — the ship Cadmus, 
Captain Allyn, with commendable respect had given up his freight and 
passengers for the better accommodation of La Fayette. After a plexsant 
passage of 31 days the vessel arrived at the quarantine ground. New York, 
on Saturday evening August 14th, and arrangements were made for a 
grand public entry into that city on Monday ; when he was received with 
the most enthusiastic demonstrations of affection, by a grateful people who 
remembered, that 48 years before he had fought by the side of (ien. 
Washington. The corporation had chartered the Chancellor Jjivingston 
steamboat to receive the general, together with three other stcamlxtaLs 
dressed elegantly with flags aud streamers ; they were all filled with ladies 
aud gentlemen, and each boat had a fine band of music. On board the 
Chancellor was the superior baud from West Point, which Capt. Center 
brought down. The general was accompanied by his son, George 
Washington La Fayette — a very fine looking man somewhat advanced 
in years — and his secretary. 

The most interesting sight was the reception of the welcome visitor by 
his old companions in arms. Col. Marinue Willctt, now in his eighth-fifth 
year — General Pierre Van Cortlandt, Ccn. Clarkson, Col. Richard Yanck, 
Col. Piatt, Col. Trumbull, and several members of the wjciety of Cincin- 



412 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

nati. He embraced them all affectionately and remembered all with 
wonderful precision ; it was a re-union of a long separated family. A 
splendid ball was given in the theatre and every honor heaped upon the 
nobleman, who was particularly gratified with his visit at the navy yard 
and other engaging local sites. He called on the widow of General Ham- 
ilton ; with her to dwell upon the recollections of his public services and 
condole upon the loss sustained in his death by his country. There is a 
tender delicacy and character in such marks of attention, which render 
them truly valuable, also most credible to heart and mind. " On Friday 
20th, the general left New York about nine o'clock in the morning for Bos- 
ton, in a coach drawn by four beautiful white horses. In the coach was his 
son and suite ; lie was accompanied by four other carriages and a military 
escort. He announced his intention of returning to New York during the 
early part of September, and in a few days after he will proceed to Phila- 
delphia, extending his tour south and to the far west. John H. Wendell 
and Matthew Gregory, two revolutionary patriots, have been appointed by 
the corporation of Albany, to repair to New York, and deliver to La 
Fayette, a letter of invitation from the common council to visit Albany." 

Colonel Elliott to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Albany Augt., 24, 1824. 

The Marquis De La Fayette is expected here early next week. Mr. 
John Townsend one of the Committee of the Corporation, desired me to 
say to you, that you were much wanted in making the Arrangements — 
the Citizens are to meet for this purpose to-morrow Evening. 

Yours Sincerely, 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer. . Robt. Elliott. 

The mayor, Ambrose Spencer, received a letter from Gen. La Fayette, 
accepting the invitation of the common council to visit Albany and stated 
that " iu a few days after September 5th he will have the gratification of 
oflering to the citizens of this place his high respects and affectionate 
gratitude." Great preparations were accordingly made to do him proper 
honor. 

" Albany September 13, 1824. Major Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, 
having been requested to act as marshal of the day, appointed for render- 
ing honors to Gen. La Fayett€, the illustrious guest of the nation, and the 
uniform friend of liberty, cordially accepts of the office, and appoints 
Majors C. Humphrey and John 0. Cole, his assistants on this occasion." 

General La Fayette in company with a large party of friends left New 
York on Tuesday September 14th and had a most enjoyable entertainment 
throughout his entire trip coming up the Hudson river. At West Point 
he was received by the commandant of the post, Col. Thayer, and re- 
mained during the entire day. The passage up the river from New York 
to Newburgh was interesting beyond all description ; every mile of it was 
consecrated by some revolutionary event. General La Fayette pointed 
out the house occupied by Arnold and related all the circumstances of his 
detestable treason and escape. 

"After leaving Poughkeepsie the boat proceeded a few miles, and at ten 
A. M., the party from it, landed and rode to the mansion of General 
Morgan Lewis, where refreshments were received. At twelve o'clock, on 
returning to the boat, they foiind baskets of choice grapes and peaches 
which the ladies of Governor Lewis's household had sent. At Kiugstou 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 413 

Colonel Harry Livingston came on hoard to prcot his old friend. At 
Rhinebeck, a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a basket of dflicious I,ii 
Fayette peaches were sent on board for the General by Mrs. TlioMipson, 
attentions were constantly received. At Clermont a spK-ndid rcee|.tiou 
awaited General La Fayette. Robert L. Livingston, Ksq., had been 
several weeks preparing to give the general a most munificent entcrt;iin- 
nient, and as the steamer approached, Mr. Living8U)n stood upon his 
wharf to receive the hero, who fared sumptuously. lie also attended a 
very brilliant ball which was graced by the presence of Mrs. Richard 
Montgomery and many of his oldest friends. At Cat-^kill and Ilud.son 
the general landed amid a roar of cannon and the heartiest cheers of 
assembled thousands. Extensive preparations had been made at Albany 
for the welcome of the visiter by daylight, but owing to the low state of 
the tide the steamboat could make but slow advance. Accordingly 
leaving the company of cavalry at the bar, the little ''Fire Fly" was 
called into requisition and, having on board Major General Solomon \'an 
Rensselaer with his suite and several other gentlemen, met the expected 
party at New Baltimore. 

'' Three hearty cheers were exchanged when these gentlemen came on 
board the Kent. General La Fayette landed about six o'clock in the 
afternoon on the east side of the river, three miles below Albany, where he 
was met by an escort of carriages and mounted dragoons from this city 
under the direction of General Van Rensselaer, marshal of the <lay. The 
honored guest entered a stylish vehicle, and with Gen. Van Rensselaer 
seated by his side they proceeded up the bank of the river to the village 
of Greenbush, where from an elevated staff" waved a large national flag, 
and a splendid arch of thirty feet span was thrown over the street resting 
on two columns at each end. The space upon each side of the street was 
filled with large trees of evergreen. The arch was surmounted with flags 
and tastefully decorated with evergreens, and festooned with garlands of 
bright flowers. In the rear of the arch was pitclied a general's marquee, 
decorated with flags, carpeted and hung round with fine national paintings ; 
it was also furnished with side-board, tables, &c. Upon a table was set a 
handsome large pyramid of cake, furnished by Mrs. Nanning L Visscher, 
and decorated with boughs of mountain ash, filled with red clusters. In 
Albany we saw the procession, mai-shaled by General Solomon \''an Hens- 
selaer and assisted by Majors Humphrey and Cole, coming up South 
Market street, and a more beautiful one was never witne.sse<l. The dark- 
ness of the night rather increased than diminished theeff^eet. The escort 
consisted of three companies of cavalry and eight companies of infantry. 

" The band of Colonel Jenkins's regiment played most delightfully they 
discoursed in eloquent strains and in a style but rarely surpassed. After 
this came the Military Association and next a very beautiful chariot, the 
top thrown back, drawn by four milk white horses, containing the venerated, 
much loved hero, and Stephen Lush Esq., a revolutionary soldier, who 
had received, at the south ferry, and welcomed him in behalf of the 
corporation, on his landing in the city. On arriving at the park — in 
front of the Capitol, the general left his carriage ; he was then conducted 
to the Capitol and introduced to the mayor in the Senate Chamber, by 
General Solomon Van Rensselaer the chief marshal of the day. The 
mayor then addressed his guest, after which the mayor conducted him to 
the governor's room who welcomed'him with another address They then 
proceeded to Cruttendeu's and sat down to a sumptuous and boun til ul rci)ast 



414 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

" The following day the general was invited to take a trip on the canal, 
and after an interesting visit at the United States' arsenal the party pro- 
ceeded to Troy, where they were most cordially received and addressed by 
George Tibbits, Esq. The Capitol was, for this momentous event, 
superbly decorated with greens and flowers, the pillars of the porch were 
entwined, and the hall was elegantly embellished with flags while the 
national standard was displayed from the cupola. On Saturday Even- 
ing, at 8 o'clock. General La Fayette, escorted by the horse, commanded 
by Colonel Cooper, and accompanied by the mayor and other citizens, 
visited DeWitt Clinton, and remained at his house nearly an hour. He 
then proceeded to the residence of General Solomon- Van Rensselaer for 
the purpose of paying his respects to his family, and particularly to the 
mother of Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, the venerable widow of Colonel 
Philip Van Rensselaer of Cherry Hill. In the course of the conversation 
the general facetiously reminded her of a certain time during the revo- 
lutionary war, when, as a dashing young ofiicer, he arrived in the city on 
his way to Schenectady, on a cold winter's day, clad in his I'egimental 
small clothes, with white silk stockings and shoes, when she remonstrated 
against his venturing out thus and prevailed on him to wear, over both 
shoe and stocking, a coarse but thick, comfortable pair of woolen hose that 
came above the knee, and in that style he gaily pursued his journey. 
We mention such things merely as the reminiscences of days long gone 
by, and as interesting to those who lived in those perilous times." [1 have 
a vivid recollection of this interesting incident. The marquis selected out 
our venerated maternal grandmother for a friendly chat ; and with me, a 
child of seven summers on his knee, reminded the old lady, in his genial 
way of" the warm woolen koussen," and acknowledged the great comfort 
they gave him, that they were invaluable, and his indebtedness for her 
thoughtful consideration in those truly hazardous days. The solution of 
this grateful emotion was this : When Lafayette accompanied James 
Duane to the Indian council at Johnstown in 1778, he visited Colonel 
Philip Van Rensselaer at Cherry Hill. There was still much snow on 
the ground, and being intensely cold, my grandmother feared he would 
freeze before reaching Schenectady. She therefore, with a mother's love, 
insisted upon his accepting a pair of thick woolen long stockings, the 
work of her own hands, to draw over his silk hose, that his feet might be 
better protected irom the biting frost. The mind of the noble man seemed 
deeply retentive to such little acts of kindness.] 

" General Jja Fayette also called at the mansion of the venerable Lt. 
Governor Tayler, another patriot of the revolution. He then returned 
to Cruttendeu's and received a deputation from Temple Royal Arch 
Chapter, with an address delivered by Dr. Eights, high priest of said 
Chapter. 

" Having made arrangements for his departure, the escort moved to 
Governor Yates's house, where the general also paid a visit. When the 
I)roces8ion returned from the Governor Yates, South Market street was 
illumined from one end to the other ; while whole barrels of tar blazed 
along the streets in honor of the noble and loved visitor. He was escorted 
to the steam boat landing when he departed. General La Fayette reached 
Clermont, where he intended to pass the Sabbath, very early on Sunday 
morning. It was also his design to dine with the widow of General 
Montgomery l)e('ore he returned to New York city. 

It was a proud day for Albany, long to be remembered. The mayor — 



Legacy of IIistoiiical Gleanings. 415 

the corporation — General Van Rensselaer — ColoncH'ooper — the cavalry 
and the foot —all vied in shuwin-^ respectful kindness and attention to 
the great chief. 

" Alianij, Siptemher 18, 1824. Major General Solomon \'an Rensselaer, 
is charged by the illustrious La Fayette, the guest of the nation, toexj.ress 
his grateful feelings for the kind and distinguished reception which ho 
experienced from all quarters on his recent visit, and at tlie same time Ui 
state his regret for the unexpected delay in the time ot his arrival. 

•'General Van Rensselaer prays leave to add, the cxiirussioti of his re- 
spectful approbation for the good conduct of the military and all otlier 
classes of citizens on this auspicious occasion. The demonstrations of 
gratitude and respect, so cordially and universally evinced for t^e hero of 
liberty and the friend of the human race, reflect honor on the American 
people, and elevate the character of man." 

The Patroon to Sol. Van liensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 22. 1825. 

Your recommendation I presented to the I'ost-Master General, I sent 
to him the letter, his answer I enclosed to II. Rlcecker, p]sq., if a vacancy 
occur our friend will receive the appointment. McLean told n>c he had 
received no complaints yet. Our Presidential question is drawing to u 
close. Mr. Clay has taken his ground in favor of Adams, this will ensifre 
his election without doubt it is said on the first ballot; but I doubt this, 
the second or third certainly. The Western people — Ohio and Kentucky 
at their head — are for Adams. We may be divided in our delegation at 
first, but Taylor, Storrs and Tracy think not. I feel inclined for "Old 
Hickory " myself. Our Winter has been very mild — no ice, and but one 
flight of snow. I enjoy good health, and wish you and yours many happy 
returns of New Year. Ever yours, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. S. V. Rensselaer. 

" At the presidential election the most intense political excitement pre- 
vailed throughout the country. The candidates were Messrs. Adams, 
Crawford, Jackson and Clay. Neither of these candidates having received 
a majority, the house of representatives was called upon to decide the qifes- 
tion. Mr. Clay, as speaker of the hou.sc, was placed in a delicate and respon- 
sible position. He was required to designate which of the three, who had 
been his rivals, should be elected. To his personal friends his preference 
had long been known. Rut obvious propriety prevented his proclaiming 
it in public; and he accordingly maintained a decorous silence about it." 

J. B. Stuart to Oc'n. Van Rcnusdacr. 
Dear Sir, Washington City, 8th March, 1825. 

• I am authorized to say to you, in confidence, that the mission to London 
will be kept open 3 weeks to enable Mr. Clinton to reverse his first de- 
cision on this subject. It is, I believe, the unanimous wish of Mr. Clintons 
friends here, that he should accept it. Mr. Adams made it in gootl laith, 
and neither he nor Mr. Clay have any political object in view in sending 
Mr. Clinton out of the country. 

Rut the free navigatiou of the St. Lawrence — the recognition of South 
America by the Rritish — and the suspicion of Piracy require an able man 
to represent this country, at the Court of St. James, in London.^ Mr. 
Clinton in the estimation of both Adams and Clay is that man. Will ho 
not accept ? 



416 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Mr. Clay and Genl. Harrison send their best regards to you; and Harri- 
son in true soldier style says, while he is in the Senate, if he has the power 
you shall continue to be Post Master, or any thing else you may want. 

Yours truly, 

Gen. S. Van Rensselaer, Post Master, Albany. J. B. Stuart. 

Mr. Clinton did not accept the mission to London, and it was at this time 
the enemies of Mr. Clay were very active in their attacks. "On the 8th of 
March a letter was published, written by a Mr. Beverly, purporting to 
state the substance of a conversation held by the writer with Gen. Jackr 
son, at his own house, in which the latter distinctly said, that the friends 
of Mr, C^y had made to him, explicitly, the offer of their support, on con- 
dition, that he should not continue Mr. Adams as secretary of state." 

That Mr. Clay would vote for Gen. Jackson, notwithstanding the at- 
tempt to dragoon him into his support, no one who remembered the man- 
ner in which he had arraigned his conduct in the Seminole campaign, 
and the grounds on which he had then based his violent censure, could 
for one moment anticipate. He had repeatedly declared, that in no case, 
short of absolute necessity, would he do it. General Jackson himself did 
not expect it. Mr. Crawford he did not choose to support, for the simple 
reason, that, as he had satisfied himself, by a personal visit, his health and 
physical abilities were not competent to the discharge of the arduous duties 
of the office. He had been a paralytic for more than two years, and there- 
fore seemed out of the question to Mr. Clay. Accordingly he decided to 
vote for Mr. Adams. He had long known him as a statesman of rare 
ability and of undoubted integrity. He knew him also, as the unwavering 
friend of the system of protection and of Internal Improvements, and he 
had no objections to him. John QuincyAdams of Massachusetts was elected 
president of the United States; and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, 
vice president. The president immediately oifered Mr. Clay a seat in the 
cabinet and Henry Clay became the secretary of the state, though many 
attempts were made to terrify him from accepting the office. Immedi- 
ately after the inaugurating of President Adams, the canvass for the next 
presidential contest of 1828 was commenced by the friends of General 
Jackson and it was foreseen at an early day that Mr, Adams could not be 
reelected. He would have been if he could, but all the signs were against 
him, and consequently he drew out of the race. James Monroe having 
been for fifty years in public life, found the quiet of his home in Virginia 
peculiarly acceptable, Mr. Monroe came in as a sort of compromise candidate, 
after Madison's retirement, and his administration was conducted during 
a long era of "peace and good will." He went into the office a poor man, 
and came out of it a poor man. 

Br. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, New York March 19, 1825. 

I intended to have written to you yesterday, but was so hurried that I 
had not time. I requested Adeline to tell you of it. You are, as we all 
know, a Member of the " MUitanj Philosophical Society" which for years 
has been defunct. This Society had a fund arising from the initiation fee 
of Memhers — and which has for many years laid idle. The Lyceum of 
Natural History, being much in want of a Library, appointed a Committee 
to gain the consent of the Members of the " Military Philosophical Society" 
to have that fund delivered to the Lyceum for that purpose. The indi- 



Legacy of Historical Gleaninos. 417 

viduals of your Society have mostly "jiven their consent, on the express 
condition, that the fund be appropriated to purchase of books merely. The 
original number of the Society was about 2U0 ; of which 4U remain to be 
heard from, and the Committee have reserved yourself and some few Mom- 
bers, who were near to New York, to apply to for the final Sanction. Hut 
one Gentleman has declined the request. J^et me hear from you as soon 
as convenient. Remember me to the family and believe mo — Yourn very 
Truly Jer: Van Ken.s.xelaee. 

My Dear Sir, New York Tuesday April 5, 1S25. 

Your several letters have be^ received and the contents duly forwarded. 
The " Lyceum of Natural History " have returned you a Vofr ,,/ Thinks 
for your ready acquiescence in their wishes. The fund allude 1 to has laid 
idle for many years — and the ^Military Philosophical Society has not mot 
in nine or ten years. Should you see any of the folks from the Greonbush 
bank, say that we are well. Yours Truly. Jer: Van Uensselakr. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. 

'* General^ La Fayette, accompanied by his son and secretary, traveled 
through every state and was welcomed with the stroni;est exhibitions of 
appreciation and respect, his journey among us was a continued ovation to the 
old hero who was now sixty-seven years of age. He was everywhere received 
with honor as the nation's guest, and he found that forty years had niaio 
great changes in every thing but the hearts of the people, they still loved 
him even as their fathers had done for the interest he had ever felt. At 
Mount Vernon he had wept over the dust of his beloved Washington and 
now he was approaching Albany en route to Bo.ston that he might lay the 
corner-stone of the great monument, at Bunker-Hill, on the 17th of June, 
1825. As a token of their regard, congress had also presented him the 
sum of 8200,000 and a township of land, being a slight return for his 
self-denial and loss of his own fortune in our behalf Even when he 
finally left our shores, so far from the warmth and cordiality of his recep- 
tion having in the least abated, he was just as much the object of affec- 
tionate and sincere attentio\i as he was the hour he landcil for the third 
time on our coast. On the arrival at Albany in June 1825 of the distin- 
guished traveling party from the West, they were again received with 
repeated cheers, and with patriotic airs from the Albany band." 

The long and short La Fayette kid gloves, waist-ribbons, hndjcs. kc. 
(ornamented with an elegant />o;Vra/V of the general, an excellent likeness, 
which were worn at the grand ball that was given at the Capitol on the 
arrival of the .7j<(>.s< o/</ie Ha<to« on the previous visit), were now again 
called in requisition. The line of troops and processions of citizens as an 
escort was as brilliant a cortege as any person could desire. 

Escort of Gen. Lib Fayette — Oeneral Orders. 

Head Quarters, June 11th, 1825. 
On the Departure of General La Fayette from this City, He will be es- 
corted to the line of the State by Captain Spencer's company of Albany 
Light Dragoons, accompanied by the Staff of the Commander in Chief. 

Major Ge'neral Solomon Van Rensselaer is assigned to the command of 
this escort and his orders will be respected accordingly. 
By order of the Commander in Chief, 

CiiARLKs A. Clinton, Actg. Adjt. Genl. 

53 



418 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Departure of La/ai/ette — On Monday, June 13, at early dawn our citi- 
zens were roused from their slumbers by the thunder of cannon, a na- 
tional salute in honor of the guest of the nation — the bells gave a merry 
peal to call forth old and young to take leave of the hero who came from 
a foreio-n land and spent his treasures and periled his life to redeem our 
country from thraldom to tyrants. In a short time our streets were all 
bustle and animation ; the proud charger with military trappings dashed 
over the pavement with his gallant rider clad in all the panoply of war, 
while the noddingplumes of the foot soldiery spake that each man was eager 
to honor the brave. At 8 o'clock the procession was formed along the 
park and in front of Cruttenden's, when tl* general entered his carriage 
supported by General Solomon Van Rensselaer, marshal of the day, and 
preceded by the military. The Albany Military Association, under their 
president. Colonel John T. Cooper, escorted the general to the ferry with 
drawn swords, an honor never before paid by them to any other individual. 

The mayor (Ambrose Spencer) and board of corporation followed in 
carriages and a long line ot citizens on foot conducted through many streets 
to the south ferry under a discharge of cannon and ringing of bells, where 
he received the affectionate farewell of thousands. On leaving the shore 
at Albany, the ferry boat which contained the escort was saluted with 
music and the roar of artillery. The general and suite, en route for Bos- 
ton, escorted by a detachment of cavalry — and accompanied by the acting 
adjutant general (Charles A. Clinton), one of the governor's aids, and the 
Military .Association of the city went as far as the Massachusetts line. The 
escort proceeded to Schodack and Nassau. At Brainard's Bridge a collation 
had been provided and a committee from Lebanon also waited upon him. 
As the escort approached Lebanon Springs, crowds of horsemen and foot- 
men followed. At the state line an escort from Pittsfield received the gene- 
ral and suite and the escort from Albany took leave. He was taken by the 
Massachusetts committee to a carriage adorned with wreaths of beautiful 
flowers. The elegant carriage, in which the honored hero had journeyed 
from Albany to the state line, was the same one that had been used oq 
his first arrival at the bar below Greenbush. Iv was a very stylish barouche 
of English manufacture; the property of the late lamented Colonel Nan- 
ning 1. Visscher purchased in London, while on his visit to Great Britain, 
and brought by him to this country. It was kindly loaned by the widow 
of Colonel Visscher to General Van Rensselaer for these occasions. 

The Hudson Rtijistcr says an object of curiosity and interest as his- 
toricid is presented to the visitors at Colombia Hall, Lebanon Springs, in 
an old and time worn Hotel Register, the first volume dating back to 1820. 

During the summer of 1825 Gen. La Fayette, in his tour through the 
states whose independence he had materially assisted to achieve, tarried 
for a brief period at the springs, accompanied thither by a lot of dignitaries. 

The I'uUowing is a verbatim transcript from the register aforesaid under 
date of June 13, 1825 : " IMarquis De La Fayette and Son; General Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer; Col. Clinton ; Capt. Spencer, Lady and two children ; 
Mr. Norton, A. I). C. to his Excellency; Col. Bloodgood ; Major J. B. 
Van Schaack ; Col. John T. Cooper; Major P. Seaton Henry ; 3Iajor R. 
V. Pe Witt ; Lieut Col. Knowlton ; Maj. T. A. Bridgen, Surrogate ; Capt. 
S. V. R. Blcecker; Capt. Osborn ; Capt. Ilendrickson ; Lieut. Webster; 
]..ieut. P. H. Van Valkenburg Kirkland; Adjutant Hazard; Adjutant 
Brush; Dr. James Eights, Surgeon 8i)th Infantry." 

Out ul all this number only two or three are still living, " The sorrow 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings., 419 

for the dead is the only sorrow froiu which we refuse to be divorced. There 
is a remembrance of the dead to which we ever <,'ladly turn. " 

The Last Visit. — "General La Fayette returned to Albany from hi.s 
visit to the eastern states on Friday July 1, 1S25, en rouir to New York 
at which place he had engaged to spend the national holiday of July 4th! 
The ' Nation's Guest' sat down to a sumptuous dinner in the hail of the 
Capitol ; it was a well sprea* board, ' wit walked the round, songs filled the 
air.' The military escort from Troy and a committee of our citizens who 
went to bring him in, sat down with him. The general's arrival at the 
city bounds was announced by a discharge of cannon. In various parlM 
of the city, bright flags were flying through the day in honor of the 
pleasant occasion. At the dinner, Rev. Dr. Chester asked a blessing from 
the Throne of Grace. The toast of General La Fayette was : ' Albany as 
I have known it, and Albany as it is now — a comparative stand.ird 
between royal guardianship, and the self government of the people — may 
this difierence be more and more illustrated at home, and un<lerstood 
abroad.' After dinner, at eight o'clock, the general and suite, together 
with the Military Association visited the theatre. After the play was over, 
the honored party in carriages preceded by a fine band of music, were escorted 
to the steamboat Bolivar; he embarked on board and proceeded down the 
river as far as West Point. This was his last visit. The niarquis waij 
much gratified with the exhibition of regard and the attention shown him 
throughout the entire land whose cause he had adopted in its darkest 
hours, and whose liberties he had assisted so much in establishing." 

It was a matter of deep regret that the governor of the state — De 
Witt Clinton — was necessarily absent on the occasion of both visits, but 
Gen. La Fayette was received b}' the acting adjutant general, (Charles A. 
Clinton, private secretary. 

" Preparatory measures were on foot leading to the Ohio canals, of 
opening and rendering permanent a navigable water communication be- 
tween Lake Erie and the Ohio river. The completion of the Erie or 
Grand canal in New York state had dispelled all doubts about the prac- 
ticability of the one in Ohio. Governor Clinton had favored the admis- 
sion of Ohio into the Union, and had always been friendly to its advance- 
ment. The commissioners, early in the year 1825, determined on the 
route commencing at, Cleveland and ending at Portsmouth on the Ohi<< 
river. Every preparation being made, the constituted authorities invited 
De Witt Clinton, governor of New York, to be present at the commenoe- 
ment of making the canal. Accordingly Governor Clinton attended by 
his aids. Colonels Jones and Reed; General Solomon Van Rensselaer of 
Albany, who had traversed the state when a wilderness, as an officer under 
General Wayne ; Judge Coukling, United States district judu'e, and a few 
others, started from Albany, "New York, and landed at Cleveland, Ohio, 
in June 1825. They arrived at Newark near the Licking summit, on the 
third day of July on a beautiful afternoon. Here were a.s.sembled to meet, 
welcome and receive these distinguished friends of Ohio, the governor of 
Ohio, Jeremiah Moruow, with the other state functionaries and miliury, 
dres.sed in their best attire with all their arms. As soon as (iovernor 
Clinton's carriage appeared on the public scjuare, the many thou.sands of 
persons present rent the air with their loud huzzas of welcome to De Witt 
Clinton, ' the father of internal improvements.' Four companies of ar- 
tillery fired one hundred guns in honor of the state's guest. Of thi.s great 
assemblage, many of thciu wore his personal friends, with many of whon» 



420 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

he had all along corresponded on the subject which had brought them 
toirether. The meeting of so many old friends on an occasion so dear to 
all their hearts, was deeply affecting to all present. 

" On the 4th day of July, 1825, forty-nine years after the declaration of 
independence, this great work of connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio 
river, by a navigable canal, was commenced, by the sons of those who 
achieved the independence of their country. The day was as fair as 
heart could desire, and the summit where the first shovel full of earth 
was to be excavated, was three miles or more westwardly of Newark. The 
underbrush was cleared off from an acre or more in the woods, near the 
summit, where, under many wide spreading beech trees, tables and seats 
were placed for the assemblage to dine. At an early hour in the morning 
of the 4th, the whole company moved from Newark, on to the ground 
which had been prepared for them. Grovernor Clinton, Governor Morrow, 
and the state officers went to the ground on the summit, .and ex- 
cavated each a few shovelfuUs of earth. Aftei this ceremony was per- 
formed, these officers retired to a rude platform, under a shade, where 
being seated, Thomas p]wing, Esq., delivered an address. This address 
was replied to by Governor Clinton, who was repeatedly interrupted by 
the loud huzzas of the thousands there assembled. As soon as his address 
was finished, one burst of universal applause from all present, followed it. 
One hundred guns told the world that the canal was begun. The ad- 
dresses having been delivered, the company sat down to dine in the shade 
of wide spreading beeches. The governors of Ohio and New York oc- 
cupied the highest places at the table, and the state officers of both states 
sat next to them. Toasts were drank, in honor of the day, and of the 
particular occasion. One of these was as follows : By Mr. M. Seley — 
' General Solomon Van Rensselaer. He this day reaps a rich reward for 
his toils in the wilderness in 1796.' 

" On the 5th of July, Governor Clinton was escorted to Lancaster where 
he tarried over night. On the next day, he and a great concourse who 
followed and accompanied him, went to Columbus the seat of the state 
government. Here, on the next day, in the Capitol, in the presence of all 
the state officers and of a large assemblage of both sexes, Governor Morrow 
delivered an address to Governor Clinton, which the latter answered in 
an appropriate and eloquent manner. A public dinner ended the pro- 
ceedings of the day. Escorted from Columbus, to Springfield, by a large 
number of gentlemen, either in carriages or on horseback. Governor 
Clinton was received by the people of the town last named as he had been, 
by those of Columbus. The governor of New York was addressed by 
Charles x\nthony. Esquire, in behalf of the citizens of Springfield. On 
the next day, after partaking of a public dinner, the two governors and 
their escort, moved forward. At Cincinnati'a dinner had been gotten up 
for the Hon. Henry Clay of Kentucky. This the governors of Ohio and 
New York attended as invited guests. At this period there was no canal 
around the falls of the Ohio, and there were two chartered companies, 
one by Kentucky and the other by Indiana, each disputing about which 
side of the river was best adapted to a canal. These companies invited 
Governor Clinton to visit the falls and settle the dispute. The two 
governors assented to visit Louisville and after a patient and careful ex- 
amination of the ground on both sides of the river, Clinton gave his de- 
cided preference to the Louisville side of the Ohio. To this decision all 
parties assented, and on that side, since then, a canal has been made. At 



Legacy of ITistorical Gleanings. 421 



a l.irge and beautiful steamer was launche<l in his presc-nee 
Witt Clinton. lie theu pa.sse»l throu-:!! IVun.sylvania and 



Pittsburj^ 

named De 

New Jersey to New YdVk city. Throughout the entire trip 'he and hiu 

escort were guests of the state." 



Dinner toOen. Van Rensselaer at Detroit, MieTiigan. 

Detroit Herald, July 19. 1825. The arrival of (Jcneral Solomon Vuu 
Kensselaer in this city [Detroit] was an event which could not be suflered 
to pass in silence by its patriotic and enlightened citizens. The tide of 
time which is rapidly sweeping the busy actors in thi.s drama of life to 
"that bourne from whence no traveller returns," has left but few of the dis- 
tinguished oflScers, who, under the command of Gen. Wayne, contributed 
to wrest this territory from the liritish power. This event was efl'octod 
by the victory of Miami of the lake, near our own borders ; and hrre was 
the earliest theatre of Genl. Van Rensselaer's military fame. There are 
among us, at this day, many to whom the chivalrous daring of the young 
officer of cavalry, and the desperate wounds he received in a successful 
charge upon the enemy, on the 20th of August, 1794, is remembered as 
a nursery tale. This same individual, however, has more recently, been 
presented to our view, in the memorable and sanguinary contest on the 
Heights of Queenston. We could not fail to recognize the identity of 
character, which has marked his life, and the same chivalrous contempt of 
danger, the same indifference to the reward which usually follows success- 
ful valor. Hence the citizens of Detroit, could not but be delighted with 
the opportunity of expressing their high regard for the character of one, 
whose life, may truly be said to have been "without fear and without re- 
proach." 

Tribute to Merit. — Proceedings relating to a public dinner, given to 
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer at Detroit on Tuesday July 12th. 

Sir. Monday. July 11, 1825. 

The citizens of Detroit desirous of offering a small tribute to your patri- 
otism and gallant services, and as an expression of the high respect which 
they entertain for your estiuiable character, solicit the favour of your com- 
pany at a public dinner, at Woodworth's Hotel, tomorrow at 2 o'clock" f. .M. 

I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect; your obd't Serv't. 
To Major Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer. J no. R. Williams, Mayor. 

Sir, -^^P'y- Detroit July 11, 1825. 

I have just had the.honor of receiving your polite invitation to a pub- 
lic dinner, to be given by the Citizens of Detroit, to morrow at 2 o'clock. 
Under the impression that I cannot better evince the high ."^ense which I 
entertain of this distinguished, but most unexpected mark of re.-^pect than 
by its prompt and cheerful acceptance, I cannot permit myself to dcilinc 
it. Permit me to express, through you, to the worthy citizens of 
Detroit the deep obligation under which they have thus laid me, and for 
the very flattering expressions contained in your note, I entreat you to 
accept my most cordial thanks. 

I have the honor to be Sir, your obt. humble Servant, 

Sol. Van Hensselaer. 

Hon. John R. Williams, Mayor of the City of Detroit. 

Col. John E. Wool, Col. J. Snelling. the Hon. A. Conkling, and Capt. 
J. Sherman juu., were also invited as guests to the dinner. 



422 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

To Col. John E. Wool, Monday July 11, 1825. 

Sir — The citizens of Detroit having concluded to give a public dinner 
to Maj. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, on his first visit to Detroit, as a mark 
of the high respect entertained for his character, patriotism and public 
services, considering Sir, the gallant part which you acted in conjunction 
with him,intheafi'airofQueenston Heights, one of the scenes of his military 
career, the favor of your company is solicited at a public dinner, at Wood- 
worth's Hotel at 2 P. M. I have the honor to be, with great respect Sir, 
your obt Servt. J. R. Williams, Mayor. 

My Dear Sir, ^^^^^- Detroit, July 12, 1825. 

Your favor of yesterday was received last evening. Under any circum- 
stances it would aflFord me peculiar pleasure to dine with the Citizens of 
Detroit, but on the present occasion, an additional inducement is ofi'ered 
to accept of the proffered honor ; in the circumstance that a distinguished 
mark of respect, is intended for one, who was once a companion in arms, 
when his civil and military command was as conspicuous as his blood 
flowed copiously in the cause of his country. With the most respectful 
consideration I have the honor to be, Sir, your obt. servant. 

To Col. J. R. Williams, Major. John E. Wool. 

Hon. Alfred Conkling's Reply. 
Sir, Monday, July 11, 1825. 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of invitation of the citizens 
of Detroit, to a public dinner to be given to-morrow to Gen. 5. Van 
Rensselaer. As a citizen of the State of New York, I cannot but feel 
flattered by this distinguished tribute of respect, to one of her most gallant 
and favorite sons, with great pleasure accept the invitation. With the 
highest respect, I have the honor to be Sir, yr. obt. humble servant. 

A. CONKLINQ. 

Hon. John R. Williams, Mayor of the City of Detroit. 

Tuesday July 12. At two o'clock, agreeably to arrangements made with 
Capt. Woodworth, the worthy proprietor of the Steam Boat Hotel, a large 
number of the respectable citizens of Detroit, after having been introduced 
by the mayor to General Van Rensselaer and to the Hon. A. Conkling, 
sat down to an elegant and plentiful dinner. J. R. Williams, mayor of 
the city, presided, and the Hon. Solomon Sibley, one of the judges of the 
supreme court, assisted as vice president. After the cloth had been re- 
moved, the mayor rose and after soliciting the attention of the company, 
delivered the following address : Major General Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer, sir, connected as your military career is with the introduction of lib- 
erty to this land, we hail your first visit with sentiments of heartfelt 
pleasure. In the darkest period of the western settlements of the Union, 
after the defeat of Ilarmar and St. Clair in their attempt to give protec- 
tion and security to those frontiers; when the ruthless and merciless savage 
with the tomahawk and scalping knife reeking with the blood of thousands 
of defenceless victims, then it was that the discriminating judgment of 
the illustrious Washington selected the gallant General Wayne, the com- 
panion of his toijs in the great struggle for independence, to the command 
of an army, destined in its victorious career to achieve to the western 
states peace and permauont security, and to the brave and heroic officers 
and suldiers who composed it, unfading laurels — and trophies still more 
lasting, perpetuated in the national glory and gratitude. 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 423 

The signal victory gained by the American urnis, over the ouibiued 
Indian nations, and their liritisli Canadian auxiliaries on tlie L'Uth AuguM, 
1794, at the Miami rapids, opens to our view one of the Hcenes of your 
gallant deeds. Impelled by the force of that patriotic fire, whicli you 
justly inherited from your gallant and revolutionary Hire,you was a Holdit-r 
before you became a man. The iMueteenth year of your life exhibited 
your brave conduct at the head of a company of legionary calvary, which 
signalized itself by one of the most brilliant and effectual charges ever 
made against the savage nations of this hemisphere. Here your first 
blood was shed for your country, and although your wounds were believed 
to be mortal, you tenaciously refused to be dismounted from your char"er, 
grasping still tighter the steel that had been so gloriously and succehwf'ully 
wielded against the enemies of your country. From the victorious cam- 
paign, we now follow you to the walks of private life, everywhere and 
uniformly meriting by your virtues, your generous liospitality.und your gen- 
tlemanly and unassuming deportment, the love and admiration of all wlio 
have come within the range of your acquaintance. Yet, notwithstanding 
these amiable qualities, and your just claims on the affections of your 
fellow citizens, there was a time when the system of proscription, whicli 
unhappily reigned in your native state, marked you. among other distin- 
guished men, as one of its victims. IJut the truly sovereign people, in the 
majesty of their might, have prostrated in the dust, and blotted out from 
political sway, those men and those principles, which, while they prevailed, 
could only be viewed as monuments of discredit and disgrace to the first 
state of the Union. 

Ever ready at your country's call, we see you next on the great monu- 
mental Niagara. The stain which our national glory sustained by the 
disgraceful surrender of Gen. Hull and the army under his command, to 
the interior forces under Gen. lirock, bad its effect upon the moral and 
physical energies of the nation. ISome act of noble daring was requisite 
to raise the drooping spirits of the nation, and to wipe away the foul blot 
which had been cast upon our land forces. The battle of Queenston 
Heights may be considered as a lesson to an exulting foe : the daring of 
the enterprize — the boldness in which it was planned — the undaunted 
gallantry displayed in the attack, the majestic scenery which enveloped 
the noble warriors, when performing their various parts, will ever 
remain as one of the imperishable monuments of our national glory. 
Here again. Sir, we behold you, leading your younger and less experienced 
companions in amis on to glory, to death or to victory — until you fall 
covered with honorable wounds. For such services your country owc.<* to 
you honor and admiration; and ft)r the blood which you have thus gene- 
rously shed, there is due to you the lasting gratitude of a nation. With 
our best wishes for the preservation of a life rendered thus dear to your 
country, we sincerely hope that the evening of your days be att<;nded 
with health and happiness." Then the following .sentiment was offered by 
the president of the table and drank — "the brave and gallant officers 
and soldiers of our country. May the national gratitude towards thcui, 
be coeval with the glory and splendor of their actions." 

Om. Van Rcmselner'a Reply. 
"Sir — I should do violence to my feelings, were I to refrain from 
giving utterance to the deep emotions of gratitude which it is impossible 
that 1 should not most sensibly feel upou this occasion. If in an booest 



424 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

endeavor to discharge the duty of a citizen to his country, it has been my 
good fortune to render some service to the repubUc, the approbation of 
my fellow citizens, of which I am this day receiving so signal and so flat- 
tering a proof, is an ample reward for any sufferings which I may have 
endured in the service of my country. Be assured that I shall retain, as 
Ion*' as I live, a grateful and lively recollection of this distinguished and 
unexpected honor, and shall never cease to regard this, as one of the 
happiest and proudest days of my life." 

Gen. Van Rensselaer then gave the following highly complimentary 
toast : " The City of Detroit — the headquarters of hospitality and patriot- 
ism." By Judge Sibley the vice president at the table — "The President 
of the United States." By Col. John E. Wool -— " The People and the 
Army of the United States, united in the support of principles which 
saved America and will save the world." The following are a few among 
the many toasts : — By Maj. D. Baker, Com't of the United States forces 
at Detroit — " The Heroes of '94, who first taught the savages the immuta- 
bility of American valor." By Alderman T. Rowland — " Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer our esteemed guest: On the banks of the Miami and the Heights 
of Queenston, his blood flowed with no stinted tide, may the gratitude of 
his country flow as freely." By Major Biddle — " The 13th Oct. 1812 ; its 
events conferred honor upon more than one of our guests." After Col. 
Wool had retired. 

By Lieut. J. W. Webb — "Col. John E. Wool, while the events of 
Queenston Heights have a place upon the page of history his gallantry 
will be remembered." By Judge Sibley — "The Governor of the State of 
New York, the patriot and the statesman, may his country duly appreciate 
his worth." After the dinner was over, Gen. Van Rensselaer, Col. Wool, 
and the Hon. A. Conkling took an affectionate leave of the company^ who 
accompanied them on board the steam brig Superior with emotions which 
may be better conceived than expressed. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Erie Canal Celebration. 



The completion of the Erie canal and the celebration of the joyful 
event in New York city was a splendid exhibition in honor of the entire- 
ness, the perfect state of the longest canal in the world. The Erie canal, 
commenced July 4, 1817, was finished on October 26, 1825. It connects 
the great lakes of North America with the Atlantic Ocean, passing through 
the state of New York, a state which seventy years before was a wilder- 
ness, thinly peopled by a little more than 100,000 souls. The work has 
been completed in the short space of eight years, by this single state, and 
now as a sequence : The CANAL CELEBRATION took place on Friday No- 
vember 4, 1825. For several days previous, strangers from every part of 



Legacy op TTistorical Gleantnos. 425 

the surrounding country liiul been crowdin- into the city to witness the 
interestiug event and join in the anticipated festival. 

On Wednesday (October 20), at ten o'clock, a.m., the waters of Lake 
Erie were admitted at Buflfalo, and the first boat (Seneca Chief) from the 
lake commenced its voyage to New York, an object of very great interest. 

This joyful event was announced to the citizens of the state by the 
roar of cannon planted in a continued line along the banks of the canal 
and of the Hudson, at intervals of about eight miles, and extending from 
Buflfalo to Sandy Hook, a distance of about 544 miles. The cannon were 
fired in succession, commencing at Buffalo at the moment of the entrance 
of the boat into the canal, and the intelligence thus communicated, reached 
this city (New York) precisely at twenty minutes past eleven o'clock, at 
which time a national salute was fired from the battery, and this acknow- 
ledgment that we had received the intelligence was then immediately re- 
turned by the same line of cannon to Buffalo as telegraphic movementa. 
A sub-committee had been appointed, who had proceeded to Buffalo for 
the purpose of tendering and receiving congratulations in behalf of the 
common council of the city of New York on the completion of the grand 
Erie canal ; and to invite a committee from each of the towns and villages 
on the route to unite with the citizens of New York in celebrating that 
happy event. 

On Thursday, November 3d, at Albany, six steamboats dressed with 
the flags of different nations were put under the direction of a committee, 
at whose invitation the numerous guests of the corporation repaired on 
board, at about ten o'clock ; among whom were, besides the committee of 
the west ; the governor [De Witt Clinton] and lieutenant governor [James 
Tallmadge] of the state. 

Generals Stephen, Solomon, and Jacob R. Van Rensselaer — Simeon 
De Witt, surveyor general; Colonel Schuyler; Judge Spencer, Judges 
Geddes and Conklin, together with a most respectable delegation from 
Albany, were among the invited guests. When the guests reached a 
point between Weehawken and state prison, the committee from New 
York met — hailed the leading boat of the flotilla, and incjuired the place 
from where she was and her destination, to which the cheering an- 
swer was returned by the acting admiral she was " from Lake Erie and 
bound for Sandy Hook." The newly arrived friends were greeted at Now 
York with the peal of bells, martial music and the roar of cannon. At nine 
o'clock A. M., Friday, November 4, 18-5, all arrangements being com- 
pleted, the grand aquatic procession commenced and proceeded down the 
bay. The fleet consisted of thirty-seven boats. The safety barges. Lady 
Clinton and Lady Van Rensselaer, attached to the steatnboat Commerce, wore 
superbly decorated and most tastefully festooned with evergreens and 
flowers, and were exclusively appropriated to and crowded with ladies 
elegantly attired, presented a most beautiful spectacle. 

The barge with the ladies, among whom was Mrs. Dc Witt Clinton, 
proceeded to the ocean in the line of the fleet and returned in its order. 
The aquatic display transcended all anticipations, such a sight was never 
before beheld. , 

Twenty-nine steamboats so gorgeously dressed, with barges, ships, pilot 
boats, canal boats, conveying thousands of ladies and gentlemen, presented a 
scene which cannot be described, the movement of the whole flotilla ap- 
peared to move as by magic. 

54 



426 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The steamboat Washington took the lead, on board of which the 
honorable the corporation, with the society of Cincinnati, the reverend clergy, 
of all denominations, the army and naval officers, all the consuls of foreign 
nations, the judges of all our courts, and very many other citizens and 
strangers were guests. 

As the fleet passed the battery they were saluted by the military, the 
revenue cutter, and the castle on Governor's island. 

As they proceeded, they were joined by the ship Hamlet which 
had previously been dressed for the occasion with the flags of all nations, 
and on board of which were the marine and nautical societies. As the 
fleet passed the narrows, they were saluted by Forts Laftiyette and Tomp- 
kins. They then proceeded to the United States schooner Dolphin, 
moored within Sandy Hook at a point in the Atlantic south of Long Is- 
land. Governor Clinton now went through the interesting ceremony of 
uniting the waters, by pouring that of Lake Erie into the Atlantic. Two 
barrels of Lake Erie water had been brought from BuiFalo on the canal- 
boat Seneca Chief, which was towed down with the fleet. Dr. Mitchill 
also performed some ceremonies and delivered an address. After which, 
the bugle then announced to the ladies that dinner was ready, and they 
found a sumptuous repast was prepared. 

Two British packets, at anchor in port, saluted and cheered the line of 
steamboats as they passed for which our .band in return played "God save 
the King. " 

The procession on land was formed of all the different societies, fire de- 
partments, hook and ladder companies, bands of musicians in dresses of 
scarlet and gold ; the elegant engine of the eagle fire company, was mount- 
ed on a car carpeted and beautifully decorated with festoons, and drawn 
by four horses led by four colored grooms, dressed in Turkish costume ; on 
the top of the engine was the American flag upon the engine-pipe as a flag 
staff". Standing upon the car was a fireman flanked on either side by a 
link boy. This was only o)ie of an innumerable specimen of cars all hand- 
somely decorated. There were also a great number of military officers, 
soldiers and Free Masons. 

The festivities of the great day of consummation, of the connecting link 
between the Atlantic ocean and Lake Erie, were very appropriately closed 
by a most brilliant pyrotechnic display exhibited upon the roof of the 
City Hall, which building was illuminated with was candles and lamps 
total 2, 306. 

On Monday, November seventh, the festivities of New York were appro- 
priately concluded by a Canal Celebration Ball, which was a very splendid 
aff"air, it was given in the Lafayette amphitheatre by the militia officers 
and citizens of New York. 

Medals of very beautiful design and workmanship were given to all the 
invited guests of the corporation, both ladies and gentlemen. On one 
side is Pan and Neptune in loving embrace with the cornucopia, showing 
fruits of the land, the sea, and shore with light-house, etc., and the inscrip- 
tion "Union of Erie with the Atlantic." 

The rever.se showed the coat of arms of the state, with a section of the 
canal, with its locks and tunnel, the bay of New York, ship in full sail, 
and the city, with an inscription, "Erie canal commenced 4th July, 1817. 
Completed 2Gth October, 1825. Presented by the city of New York." 
There were filty-one gold medals struck and sent to the diff'erent crowned 
heads of the world and eminent men ; one was sent to Gen. LaFayette. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 4-j7 

There were also several hundreds of silver, but the largest nuinhpr were 
of block tin or white metal. The boxes coiitainiiij; the silver luediils were 
made from logs of cedar brou<,'ht from an island of Lake Erie, in the vicin- 
ity of Buffalo. The y;old medals were inclosed in elcj^'ant square red mo- 
rocco cases. The citizens from Buffalo were furnished with a kej^of wal«r 
taken from the "briny deep" for the purpose of beini,' min','led with the 
waters of Lake Erie. The keg was handsomely ornamented with the anus 
of the city of New York, over which were the words in letters of gold 
" Neptune's return to Pan," and under the same, the words " iV»'ir York 
4th Nov., 1825." Upon the other side of the keg were the words " WuUr 
of the Atlantic." The manner in which the Smtca Ckit-f was fitted 
up by the committee does them great credit; nor can we omit a more par- 
ticular mention of two paintings which were executed in Buffalo and sent 
down on board. One was a view of Buffalo harbor, a section of Lake Erie, 
Buffalo creek and its junction with the canal, &.C., the whole repruseutiug 
the scene exhibited at the moment of starting the Seneca Chief. The 
other is purely a classic emblematical production of the pencil and is an 
excellent design for such an occasion. The piece on the extreme left ex- 
hibits a frame of Hercules in a sitting posture leaning upon his favorite 
club, and resting from the severe labor just completed. The centre shows 
asection of the canal, with a lock, and in the foreground is a full length 
JBgure of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, clad, like a Roman, in the toga and .san- 
dals, with head uncovered and hair cut short. He is supposed to have 
just flung open the lock-gate, and with the right hand extended (the arm 
being bare) seems in the act of inviting Neptune, who appears upon the 
water, to pass through the lock and take possession of the watery regions 
which the canal has attached to his dominions. The God of the sea is 
upon the right of the piece, and stands erect in his chariot of shell, which 
is drawn by sea-horses, holding his trident, and is in the act of recoiling 
with his body as if confounded by the fact disclosed at the opening of the 
lock. Naiades are sjwrting around the sea horses, in the water, who, a.s 
well as the horses themselves, seem hesitating as if half afraid they wore 
about to invade forbidden regions not their own. 

Besides the paintings, the boat carried two elegant kegs, each with an 
eagle upon it; above and below which, were the words, ' Water of Lake 
Erie.' These were filled from the lake and on the arrival at Samiy Hook 
were emptied into the ocean. The cedar logs used for the medal boxes 
were brought on this boat. But there was another and perhaps the most 
novel of ail the boats, which started about two hours later, and overtook 
the party at Lockport. This was " Noah's ark" literally stored with creep- 
ing things ; she had on board a bear, two eagles, two fawns with a great 
variety of other animals and birds, together with several fish, not forgetting 
two Indian boys, in the dress of their nation, all being products of the great 
West. 

Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer to lur DaugMcrs. 
My Dear Girls, New York iMonday Eve, Nov. 7, 1825. 

Your dear Father and Sisters with the Doctor and his Wife [Dr. Jere- 
miah V. R] together with Case [Cornelieus G. V. R.] have gone to the 
Canal Celebration Ball, given by the Officers and Citizens. .Mary Bay. 
too was one of the party. I was proof against all persuxsion or would 
not be so well employed as I am now, and surely not le.-s gratified. 11 
descriptive powers were mine, I should soon fill my paper with inoidents 
of the Grand Caual Celebration ; but it would be a hopeless task, .so I rolor 



428 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

you to the news-papers — will only say, I think it almost impossible to convey 
an idea of such an impressive splendid scene. The representations are all 
very tame when recalling the actual existence of the complete view. I 
was present at the impressive ceremony of uniting the fresh water of Lake 
Erie with the briny, blue Atlantic Ocean ; it was effected by the Governor 
who made a short address. Dr. Mitchill emptied small bottles filled with 
water from some rivers in Europe. Mr. Golden too, gave to the Mayor a 
written document, the history of the canal from its commencement. But 
like the Gat that went to Holland, I saw so much, can say no more. We 
dined on board — it was a sumptuous entertainment, here we were met and 
welcomed by Dr. Jeremiah V. R. and on our return to the city accompanied 
him to his house, receiving a very kind reception from Gharlotte. The 
brilliant fireworks in the evening at Vauxhall Garden and City Hall were 
greatly enjoyed. Last Saturday morning, your Papa, Elizabeth and Mar- 
garetta called at Mr. Jerard Beekmans and promised to make their house 
our temporary home after the return from Belville. At 3 oclock the same 
day we started from the Dr's, arriving at Belville just at candle-light and 
were most cordially received by every inmate of the family. Mr. John 
Van Rensselaer had been on the lookout for us the day before in New 
York, but in that multitudinous sea, it was a vain search. Angelica, 
Henrietta and our girls were in high glee, and General Van Cortland the 
Beau among all others. Sunday our party attended church. 

The neighbors joined our friends and kindly urged us to prolong our 
stay, which we would gladly have done, to enjoy the amenities of their 
cheerful home, but for the attractions of the Canal Ball. Tomorrow we 
spend here at Dr. V. Rs ; the day after are engaged at Cousin Caty Beek- 
mans, and how long, or shortly, you may expect our return, the one who 
writes next will tell. Your Aunt Maria promised if my dear old mother 
continued well to spend much of her time with you; it is a great comfort 
to know it can be so. Tell your Grandmama that the thirty-one years, 
since I was here, has made great and sad havoc among my acquaintances, 
and as her old friends are mine, I am anxious she should particularize, 
that I do not neglect them — ascertain their names. Take good care of my 
little ones, be particularly careful of them, and of every thing in case of 
another illumination. I will leave this open for them to add a line on 
their return. May God bless and preserve you all my dear children is 
the fervent prayer of your affectionate Mother, A. Van Rensselaer. 

After Miil night. We are all home from the Ball except Cornelicus, 
and no accident of consequence, though Charlotte says she has some ribs 
cracked in the press. AVe met the world and his wife : military heroes, 
noble statesmen, artificial and natural characters, the audacious, the clown- 
ish or vulgarized, the polished and refined, Mantua-makers, Milliners, 
Tailors and Tailoress's, stylish ladies and courtly gentlemen and a few 
seemed my ideal of perfection. But we were squeezed to death, are sleepy 
and heartily tired. The Dr. says " Uncle Solomon has had a good Supper 
and I have had none." We enjoy ourselves much in this great and splen- 
did City. Good Night, Elizabeth V. R. 

Miss Adeline Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

Orand Canal Ball. 
" The celebration of the completion of the great western canal was 
closed on Mond;iy evening, November 7th — by a fete, equalled only in 
niaguificeuce by that giveu in honor of La Eayette. The ceiling of the 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 429 

spacious amphitheatre was clofrantly decorated with festoons of cver^'rccns, 
flajjs and buntiiiirs, while the sides were hun;: with the silk liunn.-rjs :uid 
embleiuatical paintings exhibited in the procession on Friday last. An 
immense mirror, consisting of thirty pier gla^scH without irami-s an«i 
accurately fitted together, was elevated on tlic wall at the west end, wliiic 
the farther end was occupied by boxes tilled with ladies. Notwithstand- 
ing the immense size of the room, the largest in the I'nited States, it was 
filled to excess, there being, as is supposed not less than three thousand 
persons present, including one hundred and fifty guests, among whom 
were Governor Clinton and lady. At twelve o'clock, a large curtain 
which was suspended between the rooms was withdrawn and disclosed 
an elegantly decorated supper table, fully covered with the grcate.-t variety 
of delicacies, as well as more substantial fare. In the middle of the table 
fancifully floated in a large vase, a canal boat most beautiluUy ornamented. 
In one of the rooms a collation was spread for the invited guests. Every- 
thing was conducted with the greatest regularity and attention ; the 
ladies were dressed with great splendor ; the music was excellent and 
plenty of it ; and every one seemed to participate in the joy of the occa- 
sion, wliere beauty vicing conspicuoudy with elegance and wit, contrihut<>d 
to the enlivening and genial enjoyment of the scene. As a gratified 
participator in this festal scene was DeWitt Clinton, the principal sup- 
porter of internal improvements. He, the earliest advocate, whose suc- 
cessful career drew all eyes towards him, was spared to see the completion 
of bis cherished scheme." 

Mrs. Van Rensselaer to 7ier Children. 
My dear Children, Buflalo. June 2(], 1826. 

* * * We spent a pleasant day at General Wadsworth's charming liome 
in Geneso, our reception was truly cordial and the two old heroes lived 
over by gone days. My whole trip so full of incidents has kept me in a 
whirl of tumult. I have gone over many noted places, and seen Diany 
persons both at, and since leaving the Falls, adapted to excite thrilling 
emotion in my heart. 

I was in the house of one of the boatmen who rowed your Father across 
the Niagara, the morning of the notable battle ; it was an interesting 
meeting for both parties. We rode over the ground where he was en- 
campt in 1812 and halted at the very spot, on the ridge roail, to which he 
was taken after he was wounded. 1 was much agitated but /ir vnu* per- 
fectly calm then ; but. once as we lingered on the battle ground, the sudden 
outbreak of, " Oh if I only had not been wounded, the victory gained 
would have been triumphant" — showed the deep workings of the soldier's 
heart, as he turned away with a groan and his hand pressed on his forehead. 
We remained all night at Lewiston, visited the old Fort at the mouth of 
the river ; then crossed the Niagara and went to the liritish Fort George. 
I could almost see that body of Indians sally forth to join in the battle. 
After dining at Queenstown, we went to the memorable " landing place," 
and stood in deep thought on the very atone, at the foot of the rapids, on 
which he jumped from the boat to ascend those almost perpendicular 
rocks to the Heights. The evening before, I had walked in company with 
your Father to the spot where he embarked from the American side. We 
strolled along leisurely and your Father staid sufficiently long at all these 
celebrated places to refresh his memory with every circumsumce that had 
occurred ou that memorable day ; aud as we retraced our stej*, you can 



430 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

imao-ine how my feelings were moved with pleasurable excitement, and 
how well satisfied I was with the hours spent at these wonderful sites. 
We made a solemn halt for sometime at Brock's Monument which is still 
unfinished ; every thing was so forcibly suggestive of past stirring scenes, 
and I could not help seeing how vividly all seemed to come across the 
noble man's remembrance. The extensive view from this summit is very 
wrand, having a sight of country for at least fifty miles. Our next turn 
was about half a mile west to the battle ground at Lundy's Lane, which 
left us just time enough to go below the Falls on the Canada side. We 
had a "•nod view of the Horse-shoe Fall with its mass of deep emerald 
water, it was indeed magnificent ; but the spray was not so pleasant to us 
or o-ood for our clothes. The following morning we left to visit the Burn- 
ing Spring ; stopped to see the battle ground at Chippewa about two miles 
from the falls. We crossed the Niagara river in the same ferry boat, to 
Black Kock, with General Peter B. Porter, who was particularly civil. 
I was very happy to witness such a cordial meeting between the two 
Generals ; old grievances were laid aside, and seemed entirely forgotten 
by both ; it was the rare triumph of magnanimous minds, which gave me 
pleasure. In a day or two we leave this for Ohio. I feel well repaid for 
all the fatigue of our journey ; and we felt very glad to meet and receive 
much kindness from another old friend. Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, of this 
pleasant place. * * * Good Night. Your affectionate Mother. 

HT- . 1 1- T7- T. 1 A lu XT V A. Van Rensselaer. 
Miss Adeline Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

Post Master General to Oen. Van Remselaer. 
Dear Sir, Washington, July 13, 1826. 

In your late tour you have probably had a good opportunity to learn 
something of the public sentiments on various interesting topics. Will 
not Mr. Clinton be elected without much opposition ? If the State should 
refuse to do this, its loss of character would be greater than his. I am 
sure that the Bucktails are not hostile to him, at least they like him much 
better than some of the members of the family at Washington. The Clay 
bubble in New York, in making a government is not to be feared. Tlie 
power only is wanting. How does the administration stand in New York i' 
Would Mr. Adams take the vote of the State if the election were at hand ? 
What is his prospect of taking it when the proper time shall arrive ? 
Will the mode of your election be changed to a general ticket? If no 
change should be made, will not the vote be divided 'r' Who stands in 
the way of Mr. Adams ? What is the standing and prospects of the 
Secretary of State in New York [John Van Ness Yates Secretary of 
State]. Has Mr. Calhoun suffered much from the events of the last ses- 
sion ? Your friend, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. '^^"^ McLean. 

** Our principles are those of Republican Americans, we love our 
country, we venerate its institutions, and our whole hope and wish and 
thought of glory, is centered in their success. In our dreams have we 
seen our National Standard, ' flag of the free-hearts only home,' wav- 
ing aloft in the azure sky, flaunting its stripes and its stars above the 
wreathed clouds and floating proudly o'er their silvery folds, the beacon 
light to guide the world to liberty and independence ?" 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 431 

Post Master General to Oen. Van Iicn»Kctaer. 
I^ear Sir, Wa.«liin<ituti, Soj.t. 14, lfi26. 

To your private note I should be at a loss to reply, had not a ^'.-ntie- 
nian told rue the other day, that this same ('<tl,h Aficatrr, who is the most 
profligate creature in regard to truth, within my knowledge, was givinj; 
currency to a report, which he originated, that I was exerting myself (t 
behalf of Gen. Jackson and was circulating the Telegraph paper, to aid 
his election, throughout the State of Ohio ! A more infamous falsehood 
was never uttered. To Atwater I have never written one word on tliis 
subject, or to any one else in Ohio, or out of it, wliich I would not bo 
willing to have published to the world. I have sent the Telegraph occa- 
sionally to my two brothers in Ohio, one of whom was on Adams' electoral 
ticket, and the other voted for him in the house of representatives. I 
have sent this paper to no other persons. No man in Ohio has heard mo 
express a wish on the presidential election, in favor of any one candidate. 
In fact, I have been specially guarded on this subject, knowing that .^!r. 
Clay and some of his friends are very hostile to me. and would willingly 
assail me with effect; they denounce all, who do not support the Secre- 
tary of State [Henry Clay] for President next term. 

Long before the late election, I broke off all correspondence with At- 
water, except once or twice to make a general reply to several long letters 
he wrote me. He is a man, who pays not the slightest regard to truth. 
You may recollect, that a few days before the late election, he had hand 
bills printed and circulated through many parts of Ohio, charging Mr. 
Adams with being a gambler, and that he played cards constantly on the 
Sabbath, and was addicted to many of the most abominalde vices. I think 
his name was signed to the hand bill. Where he is known, nobody 
believes him. He has no influence, and so far as his conduct may have 
an eff'ect on the next election, it must be unfavorable to the candidate 
whose election he espouses. I have said more about this foolish report 
than I intended. Perhaps, I may be mistaken, and he has assailed me 
as prostituting my office to advance the election of Mr. Adams. Here he 
would be equally at fault. I have a higher olject. than to become tho 
tool of any man, a sense of duty, I trust, will ever ir)flucnce me. • 

Your friend, 

John McLean. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Albany, New York. 

P. Master General to Gen. Van Renmelacr. 
Dear Sir, Washington, L'S November. 1826. 

1 find a letter writer in New York, agrees with you, that .Mr. Adams 
will take the Vote of your State — the letter is published in the enclosed 
paper. Your friend, 

Gen. Sol. Van Eensselaer, Esq., Albany, N. Y. Joii.n McLean. 

Hon. Caleb Atwater was a member of tho hou.se of representatives 
from Ohio. He was one of the committee on schools and school lands. 
In May, 1822, he was appointed by Aldcn Trimble. Esquire, the then 
governor of Ohio, one of seven commissioners in regard to schools, ho 
was appointed for congress lands. The seven commi.ssioucrs accepted and 
five of them entered on their duties, and a.s.semMed at Columbus, the seat 
of government, in June, 1822. They organized their board, with Caleb 
Atwater as their chairman. The board proceeded in their labors, day 



432 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

after day; their room became tlie centre of attraction for all the lovers 
of learnini^, who visited the seat of government, during that session of the 
state legislature, and a system of education for common schools was es- 
tablished for the new state of Ohio. 

Horrible Assassination. 

" One of the most horrible instances of deliberate assassination that we 
have ever been called upon to record was committed in this vicinity on 
Monday evening May 7th, 1827. The particulars of this transaction are 
as follows. Mr. John Whipple, of this city, whilst writing at a table, 
about nine feet from the window, in a back room in the second story of 
the dwelling house on Cherry Hill, a mile below the city, between nine aftd 
ten o'clock at night, was fired at through the sash with a pistol. The ball 
passed through and shattered a pane of glass, entered the body of Mr. 
Whipple through the blade bone of his left shoulder, cut one of the 
principal arteries of the heart, and lodged in the right lobe of the lungs ; 
he barely exclaimed, " My God !" rose and walked a few steps to the head 
of the stairs, and there fell and immediately expired. The murderer ap- 
proached his victim by clambering on the roof of a back stoop, and firing 
from it diagonally at the short distance. A young gentlemen — Mr. 
Abraham L. Van Rensselaer — was sitting in the room with the deceased ; 
but'iu the confusion of the moment no pursuit could be made, nor were 
any measures taken until information was conveyed to the police of the 
city. The steps of the villain are plainly visible on the roof of the porch, 
as is also the flash of the powder on the frame of the sash. 

Mr. Whipple was in the prime of life, industrious, enterprising, and 
fair in all his transactions. He was respected as a valuable and intelligent 
citizen. He has been cut off in the midst of his usefulness, leaving a 
bereaved widow and an interesting young son to lament his untimely fate. 

Mr. Whipple returned from New York on Sunday night, where he 
had completed an advantageous contract, connected with the Hudson and 
Delaware canal, in the construction of which he had participated largely ; 
and was at the moment of his death arranging his papers for a departure 
from the city yesterday morning (Tuesday). He was often from home 
for weeks engaged in his business transactions. As it may well be con- 
ceived an affair so atrocious and so unusual amongst us, has excited great 
feeling and indignation. 

A person by the assumed name of Joseph Orton, arrested on suspicion 
of being the murderer of Mr. Whipple, was fully committed for trial. The 
trial commenced on the 26th of July and concluded on the 27th, when 
the jury rendered a verdict of guilty. On the 4th of August he was 
brought in and sentenced to be hung on the 24th of the same month be- 
tween the hours of twelve M. and three P. M. Joseph Orton confessed his 
real name of Strang to John V. N. Yates whom he desired for his counsel. 
Mr. Yates, however, declined. He then employed Mr. Calvin Pepper, 
an eminent and able lawyer, to whom he made a confession, whom he re- 
quested to go and remove the rifle, lest it should be found. He confessed 
to the jailer, Mr. Becker, that he had committed the murder and that 
Mrs. Whipple was the tchole cause and projector of it. 

Jesse Strang, the son of a respectable I'armer of Westchester county, N. 
Y., deserted his wife and two children the latter end of June, 1826, and 
arrived at Albany under the assumed name of Joseph Orton. In the 
latter part of August he hired himself to Mr. Philip P. Vau Rensselaer — 



Legacy of ITistorical Gleanings. 4;',3 

whose family consisted of ten or eleven persons and he resided ut (Cherry 
Hill, the house where the niunler was couimittcd. In this house hoarded 
John Whipple and his wife. Strang; uiado a full confession to the -rand 
jury, giving the horrid recital with mucli minuteness accompanied by Nuch 
circumstances, as left no doubt of his guilt. In his disclosures, Strang 
implicated his paramour, Mrs. Elsie D. Whipple, and charged her with 
having instigated the murder, also as having acted with him in all it« 
stages, by furnishing the means of purcha-sing the rifle, tlie glass for trial 
of the effect of the ball, &c. lie got on a shed and saw the curtain had 
been rolled up as Mrs. Whipple had promised to do. He put the muzzle 
of the rifle close to the lowest pane of glass in the sash, took vcri/ (hUhrrate 
fl/m at the upper part of Whipple's lei't breast and fired. He then jumped 
off the shed, ran to where he left his bundle, threw it, the gun and 
boots over the fence, went to a ravine and hid the rifle in the sandy mud — 
stamped it down and covered it with leaves. After which, crossing the 
fence he joined the crowd of people on their way to the scene of murder. 
Strang went for the coroner, was one of the coroner's jury and carried 
down a cot from the garret on which he assisted to place the corpse. The 
pane of glass when broken by the ball was a most correct profile resemblance 
of himself. He was taken by the police oflicers to the ravine, to whom 
he pointed out the spot where to find his socks used on the occiusion and 
the rifle. Mrs. Whipple ' was arrested in June and held in custody in 
the prison, having been indicted as accessory ; but however criminal her 
conduct may have been in other respects, no proof exists of any participa- 
tion on her part in the murder and she was accordingly acquitted. Po- 
tential influence was exerted in behalf of the unhappy woman and she waa 
sent forth to bear her life's burden. 

The old double, spacious mansion at Cherry Hill, having separate en- 
trances, was well calculated for two families who could live entirely dis- 
tinct from each other. The north half, at this time was still occupied 
by the widow of the revolutionary quarter-master general, Philip \'au 
Rensselaer (deceased 3Iarch 9, 1798), with her son Kilian and daughter 
Maria M., subsequently wife of Jacob S. Glen. The sonih iialf was the 
residence of another son of the widow, Philip P. Van Ken.sselaer and 
family. The wife of the latter gentleman being an aunt of .Mrs. Whipple. 
Mr. Van Rensselaer had died very suddenly a short time previous to the 
murder of Mr. Whipple. The general opinion now was that, by means 
of arsenic, he had been deprived of life that the way might be clear for 
other operations. 

Among my " Scraps of Experience " is a panoramic view of those har- 
rowing scenes. I, a little girl of not ten years, had been st.-iying for two 
or three days with my grandmother at the north side of Cherry Hill, .-ind 
being rather homesick, was not a little rejoiced when one sunny morning 
I saw my father, in his gig, drive up to the door with the Hon. Herman 
Knickerbacker of Schaghticoke, seated by his side. When their vi.sit to 
the venerable lady was made, I begged to be allowed to return with thtMn, 
but my father rather put me off, saying they were " not immediately going 
home." The kind reply of Prince Knickerbacker is still affectionately 
remembered. "Never mind, general, that is easily managed; let the 
child go with us, it will do her no harm." A ready ac(iuiescencc having 

' In 1839 Mrs. Whipple was married at N'"w Bnmrtwick to Mr. Freeman. 
55 



434 Legacy of Histobical Gleanings. 

been given, I was soon prepared, and seated on the prince's knee we were 
in the little chaise wending our way to the city, no one happier than my- 
self. Soon to my dismay we drove up to the jail and alighted. I felt no 
fear as we ascended the stairs, for clasping my father's protecting hand, I 
could have gone to the muzzle of the cannon if he was to light the fuse ; 
the very novelty of my surroundings only caused a little flutter. At the 
request of the gentlemen the barriers were removed; the ponderous door 
being unlocked slowly moved back on its hinges, and we were, in the 
presence of the unhappy criminal, Strang, who was chained to a strong 
iron staple. There was a momentary gleam from his defiant eyes, and 
then his unquiet gaze turned again to the Bible he was reading when we 
entered the room. 1\Iy heart thrilled with horror at the remembrance of 
the atrocious deed that had placed him in this grated cell. It was a ter- 
rible scene to see the imprisoned one whose manhood and moral nature 
had been so fearfully corrupted and wrecked ; who was stimulated to pro- 
ceed in the current of evil with an irresistible drift, by a very fair, beau- 
tiful but frail woman, tiU he murdered without compunction at least one 
human being possessing many noble traits, pouring out his life blood to 
satiate lust. After a time we went to Mrs. Whipple who had been as- 
signed by the jailor, I'ooms on th« same floor; she occupied an apartment 
adjoining Strang's. Mrs. Whipple was in a recumbent posture on her 
cot ; dressed in an elaborately trimmed white cambric, her soft, glossy 
Lair of extraordinary length floated over her shoulders. There was some- 
thing indescribably attractive in her fair face, and indeed she looked lovely, 
and really seemed much distressed when she recognized her visitors. With 
breathless stillness I took in the whole scene, and forcibly realized the 
isolation and helplessness of one, who was born a lady, but had by frivo- 
lousness and vanity sold her birthright. The poor captive exerted herself 
to regain her self' command, and resolutely checked the hysteric sobs. I 
remember how, while struggling even to agony, she lifted her streaming 
eyes, and poured out her heart, conversing with an enthusiasm and per- 
sonal power that kindled pity and heartfelt sympathy in the breasts of 
the gentlemen. " There is nothing that touches feeling like feeling itself," 
and it was honorable to humanity that her peril should have stirred these 
large-hearted gentlemen to vigorous exertions to save this woman from 
the feariul jeopardy that then seemed inevitable. 

The execution of Jesse Strang, a wretched victim of his own passions, 
for the murder of John Whipple took place August 24, 1827 A multi- 
tude of at least thirty thousand witnessed the execution ; the site was 
Beaver Street hollow, a short distance south of the Capitol. The valley 
where the execution took place was surrounded by a number of hills, 
capable of afibrding to each spectator a perfect view of the gallows. At 
one o'clock, precisely, the wretched criminal was seen to issue from the jail 
escorted by the Albany Artillery companies, and attended by the sheriff, 
Conrad Ten Eyck, the jailor, sherifi^'s officers and the Kev. Mr, Lacey. 
Strang appeared dressed in a long white robe, trimmed with black, 
black gloves and shoes, and wearing on his head a white cap, also trimmed 
with black; preceding him, in a wagon drawn by two black horses, was 
placed his cofiin, which was enclosed witliin a pine box. He followed on 
foot between the clergyman and 'the sheriff, with firm apd undaunted 
fiteps; and on arriving at the gallows, he immediately, unassisted, 
ascended to the platform, where Mr. Lacey read to him the church of 
England's burial service, Strang joining him fervently in prayer for God's 



Legacy of IltsTORiCAL Gleanings. 435 

incrcy and grace. Strang made a brief aildre^-s to the spectators. cxprcKS- 
ing his contrition. Strang' hiiuselt' drew the cap over hitt face. Tlio 
knot slipped to the back of his neck, his neck did not bre.ik. and his 
.sufferings were apparently long and painful. The body was Uiken frouj 
the jail and put on board the .steamboat and conveyed to the residence of 
bis father and family in Dutcliess county. His brothers and sister.^ waited 
on him the day before the execution to bid him a last and eternal farewell. 
The poor and afflicted father could not bring himself to bear such a mode 
of separation, he left Albany three days previous. Strang left a wife aud 
two children. 

The trial ofJes.se Strang after he was indicted, at a special Court of Oyer 
and Terminer, held in the Capitol, Circuit Judge William A Duer, presid- 
ing, was a time of intense excitement. Many of the surging multitude 
came in the wantonness of mere curicsity, to see one whose career wu.h 
brought to this untimely end by crimes that could admit of no denial ; 
others came tosee that neither force nor fraud should frustrate thesupremacy 
of abiding law and that one who could not restrain his hands from needle.ss 
bloodshed should pay the penalty. By taking the life of a human being 
when not required by God, a man forfeits his own, aud ought, in obedi- 
ence to the divine requirement, to be put to death. "Whoso sheddeth 
man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." This was designed t<) bo 
another safeguard of human life. Meanwhile there were others present 
whose hearth was desolate, whose hearts were crushed with anguisii be- 
neath this terrible ordeal, they were bowed down by sorrow and there 
could be no relief. Yet in the midst of all their trouble they ever can 
hear those gracious words "My grace is sufficient for thee." 

" Governor De Witt Clinton expired on the evening of Monday, 
February 11, 1828, aged 59 years. He was born in the village of New 
Windsor, March 2d, 17(39. His father, General James ClinU)n, wxs 
a brave and usetiil officer in the French and Indian wars, *andin the 
revolutionary struggle. His uncle, George Clinton, was governor of New 
York state when De Witt commenced the study of law with Samuel 
Jones, Esq., and was elevated to the vice-presidency of the United States. 
In 1798 De Witt Clinton waa elected a member of asseml.ly from the 
city of New Y^'ork, and in 1800 was chosen a senator and then by a joint 
ballot of both branches of the legislature, he was elected to a .seat in the 
senate of the United States, where he took an active interest in the 
concerns of the country. Clinton early became a strong partisan in favor 
of the Erie canal, and it is owing to the bold stand he took in this great 
enterprise that his popularity in a measure was owing. In the .summer 
of 1810, he went on a tour with other commis.sioners for exploring the 
route of this work. This country was then comparatively a wildornefw, 
and there was not a house where the city of Rochester now stands. De 
Witt Clinton's person, in his youth and early manhood, was remarkable 
for its masculine beauty, and as years advanced assumed a majestic 
character. His stature was upwards of six feet, straight, large, robust and 
finely proportioned; taking him all in all, he was the best looking man, 
that this nation ever produced. He was devoted to literary and scientific 
pursuits, and was an efficient patron of learning. His writings place 
him high in the ranks of science. He was an eminent statesman, an 
elegant and profound scholar, and a practical citizen. The news of 
Governor Clinton's death caused great sorrow to his numerous friends. 
The summons came without scarcely a moment's warning, whilst he was 



436 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Bitting in his chair, in his study, in the midst of his family, conversing 
with his sons. The first indication of the approach of the attack being 
the falling back of his head upon the chair, and life instantly left him ; 
the lapse between that moment and the arrival of Dr. Bay was not more 
than ten minutes. Gov. Clinton's fame will live after him. The cause 
of his sudden death was the rupture of a blood vessel at the heart ; a pain- 
less, and speedy extinction of life. 

" The funeral took place on Thursday, February 14th. The day was 
ushered in at sunrise by the discharge of cannon, which was repeated every 
half hour until sunset. The two houses of the legislature proceeded in a 
body to the mansion of the deceased. The hearse was covered by a superb 
canopy, and drawn by four white horses, their heads decorated with black 
plumes and their harness trimmed with crape. The horses were led by 
grooms properly habited, with white turbans on their head. 

" At the vault military honors were paid them in the presence of an 
immense multitude of spectators. The side walks, windows and roofs 
were thronged with people, many of whom wore badges, of white satin 
ribbon, bearing a miniature likeness of Clinton. Colors of vessels at the 
wharf were displayed at half mast. A solemn knell which announced 
the moving of the procession fell with sorrow on many hearts ; the clergy 
and physicians with scarfs, the minute-guns, masonic honors, military, all 
tended to render the scene solemn and impressive." Rev. Dr. Ludlow, 
in the absence of Rev. Dr. Chester, prayed. The shock, when told of 
the death of that noble man, and the funeral spectacle comes up forcibly 
to my mind ; my childish love for the great, majestically tall, handsome 
and good governor, my father's true friend, was very strong, for he mingled 
playfulness and mirth in his familiar conversation with the little ones. 
Valuable mementoes given by Mrs. Clinton, after the governor's death, 
are still preserved and cherished in our family. 

The charter for the Hudson and Mohawk railroad, the first in America, 
from Albany to Schenectady was passed by our legislature at the session 
of 1826. 



CHAPTER XXI. . 

Interesting Letters from South America. 

Gen. Harrison to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear General, New York, 8th Nov., 1828. 

I am extremely glad to hear that you have determined to commit your 
Son to my care. It will be his own fault if the trip does not prove bene- 
ficial to him. He will acquire an accurate knowledge of the French and 
Spanish Languages. See a great deal of the world, by the necessary inter- 
course with the Diplomatic Agents with which he will associate, become 
intimately acquainted with a most interesting country, whose relations 
with us are becoming more and more important to his country, and should 




/C /^ //r, , , , /„,. 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 437 

lie choose to devote hiinself to that pursuit, lay the fyundation of future 
euiployuieot in the Diplomacy of the nation. Induetl he will Hn|mre 
knowledge which will he u.^eful to him, in any avocation he may aller- 
wards engage in. A fine young man of the name of Hunker, a friend of 
the Mr. Henry Ogden, whom I mentioned to you, will leave this for 
.Bogota in about two mouths, he has been there before, .speaks the Spanish 
language and is well acquainted with the route, I would advino you to send 
your son with him. By the time they arrive, I shall have commenced 
housekeeping, being in the meantime (until my lurnilure arrives) obliged 
to live in the house of a gentleman who hius invited mo, for there arc 
neither taverns nor boarding houses in Hog<ita. You must fit him out, 
andfran/c him to me, after his arrival I will pay all hia expenses and 
return him to you. A plain blue coat with the l)i{)lomatic button, which 
can only be got in Philadelphia, is all the uniform he will ri'(|uire. If 
that button cannot be got (it has an Kagle with an olive branch, in one 
talon, and a thunderbolt in the other) the button of the marine corps will 
answer. Mrs. Van Bcnsselacr need not iear the climate of Bogota, it in 
as healthy there as in New York. Nor can any political commotion in the 
country affect us. In haste. Y'^our friend, W. II. Haukison. 

Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Post Master, Albany, N. Y. 

In 1828 General William Henry Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe, 
was appointed by President John Quincy Adams of Ma.ssachusctts as 
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the republic of Colom- 
bia, comprising the vice-royalty of new Grenada and the late captain gen- 
eralship of \ enezuela. He accepted this appointment and repaired without 
delay to the scene of his duties, where he was received with every demon- 
stration of respect. He found this unhappy country in a deplorable condi- 
tion ; the people ignorant of their rights, and almost in a state of anarchy, 
and General Simon Bolivarapparently about to assume the despotic power 
of a military dictator. Shocked at this state of things, with the frankness 
of an old soldier, he wrote his celebrated letter to General Holivar after he 
was superseded. To every sentiment traced in that letter each republi- 
can heart could respond and could not fail to appreciate the pbilanihropio 
motives of the writer in its dictation. It is a well known i'act that prior to 
tlie late revolution in Colombia^ every North American estimated liolivar 
as a pure patriot, and all who visited this country carried with them a 
strong predilection in his favor, but this confidence in the republicanism of 
the chief was not well founded. Gen. Harrison observed for himself and 
did properly estimate the different tales he heard in favor of, and to the 
prejudice of Bolivar. A soldier himself, he (in his own words), "could 
possess no feelings but those of the kindest characters towards one, who had 
shed so much ^astrc on the profession of arms" though he regretted the ill 
advised poficy which led him to aspire at a sceptre, liefore leaving .\merica 
Gen. Harrison requested that the son of his old friend should join the 
mission. 

My brother, Rensselaer Van Ren.sselaer, left Albany on November 30, 
1828, in the steam boat Constellation, Capt. R. G. Cruttenden, and mailed 
from New York city, on December 4th, in the brig " Tampico," Capt. 
Fish, "under a hopeful flag and a promise of a happy voyage." Ili.s ob- 
ject being to join William H. Harrison, the United States minihU-r pleni- 
potentiary at Bogota the capital (^"Colombia, South America. The fol- 
lowing descriptive, private letters, penned by the thoughtl'ul and observ- 



438 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

ant traveler, for the home circle of "loved ones," in his own graphic, 
bold, off handed style, without hesitation as to choice of words or lan- 
guage, were written in that southern peninsula forty-five years ago. They 
will be found interesting and instructive as making us better acquainted 
with the natural features of the country, its productions, ceremonies, go- 
vernment and religion, as delineated in scenes and occurrences which fell 
under his immediate observation. His connection with the diplomatic 
body, also, gave him ample opportunities to become well informed regard- 
ing this country ruled by the rod of Spanish despotism. A region so 
varied in aspect and exquisite in beauty, of which but little was known at 
that early period, that the humfin mind, even now, is "successively sur- 
prised with the sublime and astonishing works of nature where rivers of 
amazing breadth flow through beautiful and widely extended plains, and 
where lofty mountains, whose summits are covered with eternal snow, inter- 
cept the course of the clouds and hide their heads from the view of mor- 
tals." Yet despite the conflicts and hardships of travel, with its perils 
both in the valleys and mountains, beautiful spectacles were seen on every 
side, all of which added their quota to that enjoyment which his capacity 
for description traced as he observed Nature in all her various garbs." It 
is also a very highly favored part of the globe, compared with the other 
great divisions, as it respects the salubrity of its climate, the fertility of 
soil, and the value of its natural productions. 

"The surface is greatly diversified. The western part consists chiefly of 
elevated table land, crowned by chains of majestic mountains; it is tra- 
versed by the Andes, at a distance varying from fifty to one hundred and 
fifty miles from the western coast; the most celebrated summits of which 
are within Colombia, and they have be^ seen at sea, at the distance of 
one hundred and eighty miles from the shore. A nuiutier of these ele- 
vations are volcanic, and a great many of them clothed with snow.* They 
abound in natural wonders, as stupendous precipices, impetuous torrents, 
picturesque cataracts , and frightful chasms. The torrents and chasms 
are often crossed by rope bridges. The highest summits have an aspect 
of unrivalled sublimity, their elevation carrying them above the region of 
the clouds ; and below their snowy tops, the storm is seen to burst : 
and the exploring traveler hears the thunder roll, and sees the lightning 
dart beneath his feet. Between the different ridges there are extensive 
plains of great fertility and beauty, well cultivated and populous. 

"The Andes are said to derive their name from the Peruvian word anti, 
which signifies copper. They are composed in great part of porphyry, 
and abound in precious metals. The Andes, too, are a great nursery for 
birds. Among these the condor is the most remarkable, and is the largest 
bird that has the faculty of flying in the air. Its wings, when extended, 
measure from twelve to sixteen feet ; and it soars to the height of more 
than 20,000 feet; it is of the genus vulture. Many parts of Scflith Amer- 
ica are extremely subject to earthquakes, and for the sake of greater secur- 
ity, the houses are commonly built of only one story." 

Oen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Harrison. 
My Dear Sir, Albany Dec. 1st, 1828. 

My Son — Major Rensselaer Van Rensselaer of the 31ilitia of this State, 
sails on Monday next to join you in South America. I do not wish to say 
any thing in his favor, lest you should be disappointed in your expecta- 
tions of him. He goes from here full/ equipped and must do as you and 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 439 

I dill — provide for liiuiself. We had uot when poor hoys, of about the 
same age, dear friends to take us by the hand. He has already learnt 
from Die to love you ; and thus much I may venture to say, that you will 
find him to possess a considerable share of talents, integrity and firmness. 
Any difficult business you put him upon, he will ii' possible execute. To 
my (lod and to you, my old friend, I commit him with my blessing, the 
only legacy I can leave him. He takes with him a negro boy, raised in 
my family, as his body servant; they did not wish to be separated. The 
boy — named Cato — says he will be of no expense to Muster Rensselaer ; 
he proliably may be of service in your family, he is a pretty good waiter, 
hostler and gardener. My Son will stay a short time at Baranquilla with 
the Messrs (ilen of this quarter — early friends — to learn the Spanish 
language. That your Mission may prove honorable and profitable to our 
dear Country and yourself, I do most sincerely pray. 

I am dear Sir, your old friend, 

Sol. Van Rensselaer. 
His Excellency, Major Genl. William H. Harrison, 

Minister Plenipotentiary, Colombia, South America. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to Ms Father. 
Dear Father, New York 2nd December 1828. 

My plans so far have succeeded, and Dr Van Rensselaer's arrangements 
will enal)le me to effect the rest without difficulty. The ship will sail to 
day — Tuesday, but precisely at what hour, I cannot toll, until I hear from 
John Glen who has gone to pee the owner about it, she will probably leave 
about one o'clock. Glen does not go with us — but remains a little longer 
in this country before he returns to his Southern home. This ship does 
not touch at St. Martha, on her way to or from Carthagena at all. We 
will travel on mules from the latter place to Baranquilla, which will give 
us an opportunity of seeing some of the country borde'ring on the sea 
coast. Glen gives me letters to his friends in Carthagena, but I shall not 
remain there longer than is necessary, nor rfhy where else until I get home. 
Cato's first attempt at acting the lackey and as valet de chnmhre augurs 
well for the future. I preserve an inflexible gravity as he tries to make 
himself generally useful ; he is always good natured and cheerful, and is 
really more expert in his new calling than I anticipated he would be. He 
is as anxious as myself to commence our new career in South America. I 
feel very sanguine of success there, and do really hope that you will always 
think the same lor I will use the utmost diligence in the path of duty. 
I know your fondest hopes and affections are centred in me (they are re- 
ciprocated) and a determination to think me doing well, will make you all 
happier. 1 o'clock — Passage paid, and about going aboard the Ship. I 
shall write you again by the Pilot when aboard the packet. My best, my 
teuderest love to my dear considerate and affectionate Mother, Sisters and 
all. Believe me gratefully and sincerely yours. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Renss. Van Rensselaer. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 

Brig ■' Tampico" New \''ork Bay, 
Pear Father, Off Staten Island, 4th December, 1828. 

Owing to the difficulty of getting the crew on board, we did not leave 
New York until \) o'clock this morning, but W" are now under tine head- 
way and will soon be outside with this favorable wind. The bustle of 



440 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

departure and the noisy preparations of the crew overhead, which although 
attractive to me for its novelty, does not permit my ideas to flow copiously. 
I therefore consider it peculiarly fortunate tliat I have not a great deal to 
say now. The Doctor and John Glen have been very attentive and kind 
to me. The Diplomatic buttons were given me yesterday, they are very 
different from those of the Marine Corps. Of course I'll have them put 
on instead of those I had ordered in New York. Don Glen has given me a 
host of letters for persons in Colombia, which will make for me plenty of 
acquaintances in my travels. We have but one passenger besides myself, 
a French gentleman from Panama who speaks the Spanish language very 
fluently, he will be quite an acquisition as company and useful to me in 
my studies aboard. ^ ^^ ^,^j^^,^ ^ ^^ ^^ p^^^ Lafayette. 

The Captain says, there will be no stop now until Carthagena picks us 
up, and suggests the propriety of my closing letters. I coincide with him 
in it, not only on account of the shortness of the Pilots stay aboard, but 
there is a sort of an indigenous sensation within, (caused perhaps by the 
motion of the vessel) that bids me finish soon, or it will raise a tumult 
that will prevent all letter writing, but I will anticipate it. We have a 
prospect of a fine run, the wind is fair and off tlie coast. All this good 
brig wants in case of a gale is plenty of sea room, which we will soon 
have, as we are sailing triumphantly onward. You need not apprehend 
any danger, I do not ; the sea sickness I would rather court than shun, 
so cheer up each one keep a good heart, and all will yet turn out well. 

i past 10 o'clock. Sandy-Hook Light-house just by, the Pilot leaves us 
soon. My qualmishness has already left me. I must now close. Cato 
does stand it well, and is delighted with all he sees in the sea route. 
God bless you all — all ; bushel baskets full of love to all inquiring 
friends, don't forget Rykeman. Yours ever sincerely, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. R. Van Rensselaer. 

" It was regretted that South America so beautifully formed and en- 
riched by the hand of natuft had, by Spanish oppressiveness, so long 
been prevented in their abject depression from all improvement or the 
population of a country which might have supported millions of beings in 
afiluence. A set of avaricious men have successively drenched with inno- 
cent blood those widely extended plains on this vast peninsula." Colom- 
bia, the temporary home of our travelers, is a very extensive country, 
comprising all the northwestern part of South America, and is composed 
of the Old Spanish vice royalty of New Grenada and Carracas or 
Venezuela, which were united and formed into a republic in 1819. The 
former, extending along the Pacific ocean from the isthmus of Darien to 
Peru, is bounded on the east by the latter which comprises a triangular 
territory, lying between the Amazon river and the Caribbean sea nearly, 
if not quite equal to that of the United States. The two regions are sub- 
divided into departments, and into provinces or states which represented 
in a congress assembled at Rosario de Cucuta, in 18:^1, according to an act 
of confederation and to a constitution modeled in many respects after our 
own. After confirming the election of Gen. Simon Bolivar to the presi- 
dency it established the seat of general government at Santa Fe De Bo- 
gota. 

For a time every appearance indicated the speedy establishment of a 
happy result to the tremendous struggles of this brave and chivalrous 
people for independence; but in the practical test of some of the provisions 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 441 

of their new Constitutiou many incongruities and inconveniences were man- 
ifested. The dilficulties and expenses of traveling through such a very 
mountainous country, for the high court resident at the capital, it appeared 
so formidable to applicants for claims or for justice, as to be deemed equi- 
valent to a denial. A spirit of discontent was thus early engendered in 
several portions of the republic, and the host of military officers (who 
for near a dozen years had enjoyed the fascinating pomp and circumstance 
of war, either cloyed with the monotonous duties of the peace establish- 
ment, or piqued at the fancied slights evinced towards themselves in the 
distribution of the lucrative offices), did all in their power to encourage 
it, in order, as they hoped, to promote their own ambitious views. Conse- 
quently, instead of being at leisure to remedy their defects, the govern- 
ment were harassed by a succession of conspirjtcies, for the suppression of 
which nearly all their time and resources were requisite. In the intervals, 
however, conventions, for the purpose of compromising the causes of colli- 
sion between the different states, or between state and government, were 
called. Owing, however, to the extreme diversity of sectional interests, 
and to invincible jealousy, it was apparent that nothing effectvic could 
be done and that the integrity of the confederacy could not last. Vene- 
zuela first seceded and formed a government by itself. The south western 
states of New Grenada next promulgated their act of separation, and 
designated as the " government of the Ecuader," under their President 
General Flores, are now waging a ruinous war against Colombia. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Fatlwr. 
My Dear Father, Carthagena S. A. December 28, 1828. 

My last dated the 4th sent ashore by the pilot, left our staunch little 
brig scudding away finely past Sandy Hook at the rate of 9 knots per 
hour. We lost sight of the noted Highlands of Navesink at twilight ; the 
wind continuing fair we reached the Gulf Stream on the 8th and 9th. 
There we had a touch of what the sailors call "dirty weather," and were tost 
about handsomely ; the few sails we had set, gave a rapid headway. The 
pitching and rolling motion of the vessel, increased the sea-sickness which 
had first grappled with me at Sandy-IIook, and held on for several days. 
I was not well during the whole voyage, and at times was truly most ex- 
quisitely sick. But as I took the Captain's advice, in " taking aboard all 
the provisions I could stow away," as soon as the taste arising from the 
discharge of the old stock was forgotten, I did not loose so very much 
strength or flesh as might have been expected. And now a residence in 
the harbor in still water, or on shore, has awakened a most voracious ap- 
petite, an indulgence of which has made me feel as strong as I ever did. 
Cato was sick but once, and that was, during the height of the gale. Af- 
ter the 9th we had passed the Gulf Stream and found smoother water, 
with light winds.* Indeed we were often becalmed for a short time, but 
made head-way everyday; thelighest day's work was 45 miles. On the 
14th we had the gatifieation of speaking a brig, in ]jat. 25° 50'. Lon, 68° 
30', a pleasure it was indeed to see others, besides ourselves on the wild 
trackless ocean. Dec. 17th and 18th found us nearing the dreaded Mona 
passage ; all hands were now earnestly employed in putting our armory in 
condition to give any Pirates, that might be there, a suitable reception in 
case of any attempt to molest us. We hadT?/,v> six pounders aboard, but / 
owned most of the small arms ; however, we passed close by the shore of 
St. Domingo on the 18th without interruption. 

56 



'442 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The beach is very similar to that of Long Island, flat land of a light 
sandy soil; on the side we passed, was hilly, covered with a growth of low 
verdant bushes, they looked well to us. After reaching the Mona, we 
were favored by the trade winds, which wafted us gaily on our course. 
While in the neighborhood of the West Indies we had frequent rain 
storms accompanied with dangerous gusts, sudden and violent tempests of 
wind, rain, thunder and lightning, but a sharp lookout enabled the 
experienced captain to foresee their approach, in time to avoid the effect of 
the furious swelling of the sea. On the 22nd we reached the port of 
Carthagena, of which, the town, vicinity &c. I will write from Barran- 
quilla. Edward Glen was in town, but just in the act of leaving, with a 
lot of goods, when the Captain and Custom House ofl&cers went ashore 
with the letter-bag ; but as part of his horses had already started, and 
being anxious to overtake them, he was obliged to leave without 
seeing me. He yesterday sent back horses for me, with which I start 
to day, immediately after dinner which is now coming on the table. 
I intended to have deferred writing to you till after reaching Glen's 
residence, as the Tampico does not leave here till the 10th proximo; 
but as a letter might miscarry, I thought best to have two "white 
winged messengers " on the way for your satisfaction. This one I'll 
leave with the Captain and send the other by mail express. They are 
loading the horses so I must hurry. The Climate within the 
tropics is hot enough here in all conscience, a continual and scorching 
heat, but just now the weather is as moderate as with us the last of June. 
The general character of the people is as described by John Glen ; as far 
as I now see they have a mixture of pride and laziness combined with 
avarice; but I feel as sanguine as ever of doing well here. My love to 
all. Yours as ever. Kens. Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to Ms Father. 
My Dear Father, Barranquilla S. A. Jany 1, 1829. 

I little thought two months since that the last day of 1828 would leave 
me at Barrankelia, but so it is, and now having told you where I am, 
after wishing you my honored Father, my own dear Mother, Sisters and 
kind friends a great many happy returns of this day, will (as my letter 
from Carthagena was written in such haste) waft you back again to Lat. 
25°.50\ Lon. 68°. 30', where we were Sunday Dec. 14th ult. speaking the 
brig " Louisa of St. Johns," from Trinidad bound home ; the wind was 
fresh, we barely had time to exchange the usual inquiries of " What's 
your name?" " What's your Longitude?" " Where from ?" " Where 
bound ? " we passed each other so rapidly. Our hailing first, gave John 
Bull the last word and though he improved his time, I could not under- 
stand a word of the long yarn he was spinning wbenAeaving us, but our 
Captain thought he said something about the Mona passage, and supposed 
he might have warned us against pirates. The next day the sea was too 
rough to allow us to overhaul our armory, but the day after, the cartridges 
were made for the 2 six pounders, for my fire arms &c. The only sword 
on board was put in my hands ; in Cato's a Spanish knife about two feet 
long, which with another knife and pistol, comprised our means of defence, 
under the management of teMtenen, and a Fremhmun. The night before 
we reached the passage, the Mate came below, and told us of a black look- 
ing schooner on our lee quarter. He had seen her some time, but did not 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 443 

call the Captain until be was sure of its being a vessel ; we all watcbed 
her closely but the Frenchman who was sick in his berth. 

Sajs the Captain to bis Mate, " Does she gain on you ?" — " Yes sir." 
Capt. " Well then Sir, we'll try her speed, out with the studding sails." 
Mate, "Aye, aye sir" — " Out with the studding sails boys, be lively now." 
" Aye, aye. Sir," the crew respond, and the additional sails were soon spread. 

Our brig, which en passant, is a good sailor, yielding to the impulse left 
the stranger, merchant or piratical craft, in a short time and just then the 
trade wind struck and was fair for us till we reached Colombia. We pnssed 
so close to the Island of Hispaniola or St. Domingo that we could see 
liothing of Porto Rico or the Mona Islands. The squalls? of wind, 
accompanied by heavy showers of rain, are very frequent and dangerous 
in the West Indies at all seasons, the duration is short but if not guarded 
against in time the effect is fatal. On the 18th we lost sight of St. 
Domingo, and ou Sunday 21st the high peaks of the Nahuange mountains 
in South America appeared bearing south of us (our course being South 
West). There are visible an immense distance at sea, rising above the 
mist or fog that hides its base from the sight ; their sombre shade con- 
trasted with the beautiful azure sky, and the white mist spreading below 
till it reaches the dark blue ocean, gives it a very singular appearance, to 
persons accustomed to the monotonous view on only the boundless main. 
As we proceeded on our course, the Sierra or mountains of St. Martha, 
(from the sight of which we had been excluded by the intervening 
Nahuange) meets our view. They are 14,229 feet high, their tops covered 
with perpetual ice and snow ; upon which the sun shines, in all his 
splendor, long after he has buried himself from our gaze in the deep, 
giving them a resemblance to immense bodies of crystals suspended in the 
air. Those glaciers reflecting back the prismatic colors caused by the rays 
of the sun at twilight, from high above the clouds which clothe its base 
and rests upon the deep blue ocean, has a magical effect upon the eye of 
the seasick wanderer. 'Z'lnd. Our course after first making land is parallel 
with the coast, but we did not keep near enough to distinguish any thing 
save the mountains, until we approached Carthagena, where La Papa the 
only hill of consequence in the vicinity, shows itself about a mile North 
East from the City crowned with the remains of a dilapidated Nunnery. 

We passed the City about 4 o'clock, on our way to Boca Chica, or the 
small entrance to the harbor, nine miles South nV est of it. Boca-Grande 
or the large entrance three miles from the Town, was closed by the 
Spaniards during the revolution as the width of the passage rendered its 
defence very difficult. 

Carthagena looks extremely well in passing by, its appearance from sea 
is better than from any other quarter, it is the principal seaport town. 
The wind was very light when approaching the land, which was a fortu- 
nate thing for us ; although there is a good anchorage for vessels in the 
bay, which is seven miles»wide, yet there are many shallows and hazardous 
spots. In consequence of the darkness of the night we struck on a reef, 
about 9 o'clock, near Boca Chica, and the vessel heaving and sinking 
with the light swells of the sea would have soon beat to pieces if those 
•waves had been heavier. As it was the Captain, although alarmed for 
the safety of his vessel, displayed the same equanimity of mind that he 
did " when floods of water poured from the clouds with a prodigious im- 
petuosity," and the same composure exhibited duung the whole passage. 
At the same time his orders were obeyed with a right good will by the 



444 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

entire crew. I had never seen even our Frenchman display so much 
alacrity, he was out of cabin in an instant after the first thump ; and when 
the boat was let down, to carry out an anchor by which to warp the brig 
out, he was the first man in it j and in spite of the assurance of the Mate 
that he should not be left behind, in case we went to pieces, he remained 
there till the heavy anchor was dropped in deep water, and did not come 
aboard again till the last of the men had left the boat. The poor fellow 
was in real trouble, but for my life, I could not but laugh at him whilst 
lie was in the boat. 

Cato had tried the pumps as directed, and they soon sucked and the 
vessel was proved stanch. Moasieur Bosquet was standing by the pumps 
and shortly after hearing the noise caused by the air. rushing in to fill up 
the vacuum caused by the receding water, he made a spring towards me, 
and getting hold of my arm, exclaimed with tears in his eyes, " nion 
Dieu ! Mr. Valencia^ Monswur Valencia, nous serous p( rdu ! " i. e., " 
my God ! Monsieur Valencia (as he called me) we will be lost." 

I explained the cause of the noise he had heard and pointing out the 
short distance we were from land said we would be saved. The rising 
moon enabled us noto to distinguish the shore, but that would not pacify 
him, he could not swim,- and we were on a sharp rocky bottom, that some 
of the shaggy points could certainly go through the vessel and sink us he 
was quite sure. Just then I found by the lead, which I was holding, 
that the heaving on the anchor started the brig and passed the word to 
the Captain " she moves." " She moves boys, heave away," says the 
captain from one end of the capstan ; " She moves, my bullies," says the 
Mate from the other. All hands now appeared to have received new 
vigor from the news I had imparted and exerted themselves accordingly. 
The Captain who had taken the lead corroborated my report, and a new 
hand at the pumps pronounced her a " sound ship." The cry was echoed 
aloud, and all hands on board, but the Frenchman, manning the windlass 
brought the vessel up to the second anchor, when a favoring blast filling 
our sails we soon left our dangerous berth. At eleven o'clock we came 
to anchor under the guns of the forts at the mouth of Boco-Chica. The 
Forts are about half a mile apart, strongly built, well garrisoned and stored, 
of a circular shape, mounted with two tiers of heavy guns. The Spaniards 
have confined in them a number of persons supposed to have been con- 
cerned in the disturbances at Bogotii, among whom is General Santander, 
Vice President. 

Having fur eighteen days been accustomed to hear the roaring of the 
elements, and hum of the seamen about me only, on that night the period- 
ical cry of the Sentries on the walls of the castles, the tolling of the bells, 
the twittering of the pelican and other birds, the barking of dogs, together 
with the melodious tones of the jackass on shore, formed such "a 
combination of sweet sounds," that I being naturally fond of music, could 
not think of sleeping five minutes at a time duryig the night, although I 
felt fatigued not only from my exertions the evening before, but from the 
operation of a heavy dose of salts, of which J had taken a good one, (not 
by any means forgetting to give the same to Cato.) On December 23rd at 
7 P. M. a Pilot came on board and conducted us into the harbor as the 
assistance of a good pilot, amid all the many shoals, is quite necessary. 
We passed the 64 gun ship " Columbia " fitting out for the coast of Peru, 
(since gone), another national vessel of the same size, together with three 
other smaller ones lie iu the harbor dismantled and going to decay. The 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 445 

water here is so smooth that ships feci no more motion than they would in 
u river, while a great variety of good fish abound in tlie bay. Near one 
of the forts on Island Tierra Bomha (or Round Land ) which forms one 
side of the fortress, is a small hamlet, three miles oflF is another containing 
a Lazaretto and a Monastery. Back of the first, the ruins of an old castle 
tends to diversify the scene ; near the last, the first indication we have seen 
of cultivation is manifested in a field or two of maize and yams. To give 
you Cato's description of the village houses, they look like " so many 
straw thatched barns." The port is nine miles long, varying from 
one to three miles wide, is a good harbor for shipping with plenty 
of water and laud locked. The land surrounding it, though uneven, does 
not in any point attain a great elevation. 

At eleven o'clock we dropped anchor one mile from the town, a nearer 
approach being impracticable for large vessels from tiie shallowness of 
the water. A boat of revenue oiBcers soon came aboard ; after examining 
the Captain's papers, and sealing up the hatches, departed leaving one of 
the number on board to prevent smuggling, also directing passengers not to 
land without a holetn or permit from the police. That day I sent a letter 
of introduction from Jonn Glen to an Irish jontlemun by the name 
of Kinsclla, as Mr. Glen had led,me to suppose that he would do any 
thing for a friend of his, but being engaged on a courting expedition is 
too much of a soldier to forsake his post, to procure boleta's for strangers. 
I therefore after sealing up a second letter to McPherson the American 
Consul, sent that ashore, ivho having had some difficulty with the civil 
authorities there (He had been imprisoned by them, the correspondence 
arising from that circumstance with General Montillo, President Bolivar 
and Mr. Clay, he afterwards showed me and is preparing a statement for 
me to take on to Gen. Harrison), could not attend personally to it, but 
gave the business in the hands of a New Yorker by name of Kelly, who 
took all the steps for getting me ashore. Whilst waiting for my holeta, 
I observed the manner of discharging a vessels cargo. The freight is 
taken to the Custom House (wnere everything landed is examined) in 
large canoes or hungos — hunijleYs would be a more appropriate name for 
they arc such clum.sy looking things; are manned by n. patron or captaia 
with three or four men, will carry from 1 to 8 tons. The natives when 
at work wear pantaloons only, frequently they substitute for the " fig 
leaf " a handkerchief their whole dress — many of these strong limbed 
fellows would serve as good models to the sculptor for his chisel to form 
from stone. 

On Christmas morning I first landed in Colombia, and had the honor of 
a presentation to all the police magistrates, and to the Commandant Gen. 
Montillo. After having passed through with that ceremony, my own per- 
sonal access to the shore was secured, but the grand difficulty was to pro- 
cure the same privilege for my baggage. An order, for that, was necessary 
from the Custom House, and a passport for my departure from the City 
into the interior. All of which was accomplished by aid of Mr. Kelly, 
together with M. Juliet (formerly of the Troy Seminary) and a Monsieur 
La Batte (entire strangers to me), after waiting in vain for the promises 
of Kinsella to procure them for me to be fuUfilled. During the time I was 
employed in getting my papers, I heard of a gentleman's — called Burke, 
intention of going on to Barranquilla, and sent him word that I would bo 
happy to accompany him. He returned as answer, that he designed to 
start on Saturday evening the 27th, and would be extremely glad of my 



446 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

company. Tn consequence of which I detained the horses and p;uide, 
that Edward Glen had procured for me, at a heavy expense ; however, 
when the day arrived Mr. Burke, who had neither thought proper to call 
upon, or send me word about it, was not yet ready ; and as I did not know 
when he would be, I left Carthagena the next day alone. I was afivised 
to wait for him, but I told McPherson and others that Mr. Burke's com- 
pany was as little desirable to me as mine appeared to be to him, and that 
I could travel without putting myself under any obligations to him, that 
if our situations had been reversed, my conduct under the same circum- 
stances would have been different. The grand difficulty in procuring my 
certihcates was in consequence of the holidays, a gala season in every 
sense of the word, when the entire community engage in feasting and 
masquerading to the exclusion of attention to business. My papers were 
given as a matter of very great favor. 

Carthagenia is situated on what was formerly a Peninsula, but the 
Spaniards in fortifying it dug a ditch, 35 or 40 feet wide across the 
Isthmus, to prevent sapping quite deep, inside of which the walls of stone 
arise 30 feet high and from 10 to 15 feet in tjiickness. The suburbs as 
called though larger than the city, are secured in the same manner well 
fortified with wall and ditch. One buidge across each ditch serves to 
connect it with the mainland, these are of wood and can be destroyed 
with ease when necessary. The whole line of fortification is ornamented 
with 24 pounders of copper, elegant workmanship, besides mortars &c. 
Half a mile frora the City walls, is the Castle of St. Philippe, it is situated 
on an eminence 150 feet high, it is also strongly fortified and commands 
the town, it presents a grand appearance. Half a mile further in the 
same direction from the City, the hill of La Papa, rears its coronated head 
upwards of 500 feet above the sea. With a singular oversight the 
Spaniards, in their wisdom, when erecting works for the defence of the 
City did not think of fortifying it, in consequence the troops of Gen. 
Bolivar became its masters without much trouble during the revolution. 
From whence they securely cannonaded oan Philippe, till battered walls 
on the land side affording no protection to the famished garrison, they 
were compelled to strike to the Colombian flag ; after which its guns in 
conjunction with those on La Papa were directed upon the City. Whilst 
those land operations were going on. General Padilla (since shot in Bogota) 
taking advantage of a favorable breeze, run by the Forts at Boca Chica, 
in a small sloop of war, at night, anchored in the harbor and thereby cut 
off the inhabitants from the only remaining source of procuring supplies. 
Shortly after the City yielded to its assailants; but with provisions plenty 
the place is impregnable. 

After reporting myself to the civil authorities, being at liberty to follow 
the dictates of my fancy, I yielded to its impulse and followed the crowd 
to the public square in the heart of the City. Here the Magistrates had 
assembled to dispense Liberty, the greatest blessing of man, as a Christmas 
present to about thirty slaves of both sex and all ages. It was a most 
interesting sight ; when the Cap of Freedom was presented to them, the 
poor mortals could not restrain their tears and the cry of Viva d Librator 
and Viva la Repuhlica, burst from the crowd at the conclusion of the 
ceremony. The delighted freed-men doffed their ordinary hats and having 
mounted their tri-colored caps, paraded the streets with the most grotesque 
demonstrations of joy. It was laughable to witness the ludicrous expres- 
sion with a broad grin on their comical faces and the spring halt sort of 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 447 

step with which they skipped along receiving the congratulations of 
friends. The sight gave a favorable impression of the Colombian people, 
particularly of the Manuuiission Society, with whose funds the freedom of 
those slaves had been procured. At the conclusion, my friend conducted 
me to his house where I remained till the sea breeze set in, this wind 
comes only from two points of the compass and is almost as regular as the 
sun. This sea breeze sets in about 11a. m., and continues till near sun 
set, when it is succeeded by the land breeze, which blows till 8 or 9 a. 
M. Between the changes the air is calm, while the sun sends down his 
almost perpendicular rays with such vehement heat, that the mjijority of 
the inhabitants seek the shelter of their houses, the thermometer at such 
times will rise in the sun to 15U°, in the shade to 80° or 90°. Though 
•I have been exceedingly careful of self, still in traveling have been at 
times necessarily exposed to the heat, at all hours of the day, but have 
not subsequently, so far, experienced any injurious effects from the ex- 
posure ; on the contrary, I feel stronger and more rugged than 1 have for 
the five or six last years. The pain in my breast which was often trouble- 
some to me at home for that period, has not effected me in the least. I 
know uot whether to attribute this to my severe sea sickness or to the 
climate, but imagine both have a " hand's share " in the good result. Cato, 
too, is as hearty as a buck goat. * 

The houses of Carthagena are built of stone, and covered with tile 
roofs; those of the wealthy class are two stories high witli balconies, 
hanging over the street, with lattices of wood. The one story houses 
generally have two apartments, one of which is used as a parlor, eating 
and working room ; the other as a general sleeping apartment for the 
family. The hammocks lor strangers are suspended either in the parlor, 
or in a shed at the back of the house ; every house has a yard attached 
to it, in the rear of which is a room for cooking and for servants. There 
are no ceilings and no floors except brick or cement and frequently only 
ground floors in the lower story. These houses are very singular and 
antique : the latticed or barred windows without lights, the immense 
thick walls and heavy doors give each one the appearance of a castle or 
dungeon, but when you enter, they are airy, cool and clean. The public 
edifices have tlie same heavy aspect ; the Cathedrals are very richly em- 
bellished with furniture of the uiost costly description. The streets are in 
regular squares, but not very wide ; not paved and of course, as the soil 
is sand, they are very dusty in the dry season. The Population is about 
25 or yO,000 of every shade from the pure white to the real Guinea negro, 
the Creoles or contaminated class predominate over the unmixed, though 
the aborigines form the largest numbers; there is a commingling of a few 
Europeans with Negroes, Indians and Creoles. The latter are the busi- 
ness class and generally thrifty. Color does not seem to deteriorate from, 
or augment the respectability of any person, all as far as I have had an 
opportunity to observe are equal, provided they have the necessary s/it«ers 
here as with us " money makes the mare go." 

The Festivities of the holidays, Laa fiesta, commence just before Christ- 
mas and continue ten or twelve days, during which there is almost an 
entire cessation from labor, indeed for certain periods the law prohibits 
the transaction of business. Dancing and masquerading are kept up every 
night till dawn duviug the holidays on the public square, private balls 
are not then allowed. On the Square under the canopy of a large awning 
stretched on poles, spread lor their accommodation, such a commingling 



448 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

r 

of the " black spirits and white, blue spirits and gray," in their fanciful 
disguises is most astonishing. There surrounded by tlie mob who have 
free access, you see hundreds " trip it on the light fantastic toe," engaged 
in the giddy waltz, and at intervals breaking off to witness the explosion 
of some splendid pyrotechnical exhibitions. The richest class alone as- 
sume the mask, and probably the greater proportion attend without being 
able to bear the expense. Most of the ordinary dresses for the ladies are 
very costly and elegant ; the prevailing head-gear is a large figured tortoise 
shell comb covered with a rich black lace veil; gold neck ornaments, 
white' gowns, figured silk stockings and satin slippers constitute the 
dress for all kinds of weather ; bonnets are never worn because the climate 
here is extremely hot, and sultry during the whole year. The gentle- 
men's dress is a complete suit of white material with pumps. The young 
of the poorer classes run about the streets, with all the clothes that Nature 
gave them and no more. The ladies, in masquerading, appear more de- 
sirous to remain incog than to support any character as they do in Europe. 
For that reason I was not as well pleased as I had thought I would be ; 
some few of the Masks, however did sustain a character tolerably well. 
Among those was a North American Indian with his tomahawk, wampum- 
belt, knife and rifle, a very demure looking Nun ; a gouty Sexagenarian 
with two pretty daughters, both of the Senoras evidently were watching 
an opportunity of running away with some handsome lover. When they 
were dancing, the poor old man, scarcely able to see across his nose, would 
hunt for them till his cough compelled him to be seated. There was also 
a Monkey with his two keepers. The best of the whole company was a 
Bashaw with his Sultana ; they were richly dressed in Oriental robes 
aad supported their characters to a nicety. I remarked to (!apt. Fish as 
they passed by us, what I thought of them, and added, I did not wonder 
at Jiis taste in confining himself to the society of one Seiiora, who could 
move and act the Sultana so well. In the next turn the Mask addressed 
me in Spanish with " How do you do Senor Ingles," from which I in- 
ferred that he had understood my remark. I could not find out who it 
was, but from the height and figure supposed him to be a Mr. Bunch, the 
richest Englishman in the place, to whom I had been introduced. The 
masks seldom hail a stranger, or a person unknown to them, but always 
return a salutation. Sunday is the grand gala day for the amusements at 
which time a more general muster is made with much smoking of cigars. 
A corner of the same square is appropriated to the slaves for their use 
during the " Fiestas," who imitating the example of their betters, have 
their own fun in dancing the monotonous " fandangos " while the festivi- 
ties last. 

There is one custom in Colombia that does not suit my Yankee stomach 
at all ! at all, and that is to be content with two meals per day. It is a 
universal practice to swallow a cup of coffee at first rising in the morning ; 
the regular breakfast is taken at 10 o'clock it generally consists of coffee, 
hollos, fish, a mixed dish (made of salt meat, yams, plantains, potatoes and 
other roots called San Cocho), poultry &c. At 6 o'clock P. M. you are 
called to dinner of innumerable dishes of soup, fish, turtle, poultry, pork, 
and other meats which are served up in succession with a change of plates 
for each variety. Instead of bread and potatoes, we have fine yams and 
the "hollos," which is the substitute for bread where flour cannot be obtained , 
(it is a preparation from maize and is quite palatable, though not equal to 
our "staff of life.") The meal is finished with oranges, papaws, plantains 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 449 

and other kinds of fruit, wines and a cup of chocolate, which is served up 
in a small quantity and is perfectly delicious. There is scarcely any twi- 
li;i;ht owin^ to the vertical position of the sun, therefore our dinner is 
never finished till after dark, which sets in almost immediately at sunset, 
but at the conclusion of the meal we are furnished with cij^ars, which are 
here used by men, women and children of every rank, even in the ball- 
room, without regard to time or place from the cradle to the senile crutch. 
The road for a mile or two from the suburbs is well enough for carriages 
in use, and indeed the only one kind that can traverse these highways. 
Even these are used only by the most wealthy ; they are very clumsy sort 
of gigs, drawn by one horse, on which the driver is mounted ; the gig is 
calculated to carry three persons on its only seat, and it is well for the 
poor horses that the route extends no f\irther, as the weight of the ma- 
chine is load enough without a passenger. But poor as the conveyance 
is, the bare headed ladies seem to enjoy the drive very much. 

And now having for some days enjoyed the pleasant breeze from the 
Caribeau Sea we will return to the starting point. On Sunday 28th at 
4 p. M. I left the strongly fortified Carthagena, Lat. 10° 26', W. Lon. 75** 
26', accompanied to the outer gules by six or seven young Americans, 
where we found that the guards had stopped the guide with Cato and my 
baggage ; also had demanded a search (an operation it had undergone in 
passing through the Custom House,) but after producing my Passport we 
were allowed to proceed without any further detention. After hearty 
adios from my Countrymen, who had kindly given every instruction they 
supposed my guide might require I soon lost sight of the dusty streets, 
lofty domes, the splendid Cathedral, the unfinished decaying Inquisition, 
handsome turrets and very thick walls of the principal seaport town in 
Terra Firma. ["This country was called Terra Firma, by Columbus, on ac- 
count of its being the first part of the continent which was discovered, all 
the lands discovered previous to this being islands."] 

The road past San Phillipe and La Papa (with its dilapidated Nun- 
nery, whose sanctity was not regarded by the Patriots) , is very fine, but 
after that, this public road is worse and worse. Two miles from the walls 
it contracts until it becomes no better than a sheep-path through the 
woods^ than like the great source of communication between a large sea- 
port and the grand interior. In many places the pools of water standing 
in the main road compel us to leave it, in doing so, we meander about 
among the stumps and trees before we regain the forsaken path, till we 
eke out the distance to four times the length it otherwise would have been. 
Of course our progress was slow, well ! so much the better, for now we can 
look at ourselves and our animals. First in line is the Patron or guide, 
he sits " in all his pride of place," between my two trunks with his legs 
crossed over the neck of his horse, looking more fit to carry the horse than 
the horse him, the tawny dog ! Next in rank is my noble self in corduroy 
pantaloons and short jacket, boots and spurs with holsters and pistols, be- 
fore me ; not forgetting the indispensable /^h in my pocket, with a small 
portmanteau behind my borrowed saddle from Kelly. I was rigged out in 
style, for American saddles are as scarce as good horses. Cato brings up 
the rear ; his poney is of the same tough, ambling breed as mine and the 
guides. On each side of his native saddle, which is nothing more than a 
Saw buck phicod on mats, are my two b.ags. He does not like the way of 
riding these horses, but has his legs straddling without the cross; under 

57 



450 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

him is ruy hammock and his mat, oa his shoulders the gun. Our guns 
are all loaded. Oato has had his lesson, and beiup; fully prepared in case 
of trouble we shall be able to show a pretty good fight. Now that you 
know how we look, we must tell you how we feel, strangers in a strange 
land, very much like cats in a strange garret. 

As I had never been in the codntry since landing in South America, 
every object was novel to me ; nothing at all that meets our view is like 
what we have seen before. The houses are built of reeds, thatched with 
palm leaves; goats are substituted for cows, jacks for horses; (hoi'ses 
are as rare here as jacks are with us). Dogs look like wolves and cats 
like skeletons of things that have been. Birds, insects, trees, foliage, man- 
ners, language, all, all is new, but then being so strange and I of such 
a contemplative genius, the whole assemblage serves as food for amuse- 
ment and 2wur i)as&er le temps. The guide laughs and swears by turns 
because I do not understand his Spanish lingo, but then I laugh when 
it pleases me because the stupid jacknapes knows nothing of pure English ; 
my revery is frequently broken in upon by his guarding me against some 
projecting branch whilst dodging among the trees. Our ponies are going 
on while I am moralizing, and ten o'clock at night finds us five leagues 
[15 miles] from Carthagena at the village of Turbacco, but the evening 
was too far advanced to be able to distinguish what kind of a place it was; 
I was both hungry and fatigued ; at first there was some difficulty in 
making my wants known, but what with my Spanish, signs, the landlord's 
broken French and the ditto English of a young gentleman, whose di- 
rection is Senor Buenaventura De Aleazer, (Phoebus ! what a name !) 
I finally succeeded very well. Senor De Aleazer was very polite ; after 
inspecting my Passport he informed me he was going to the United States 
as Secretary of the Colombian Legation. He gave me a letter of intro- 
duction to his brother who was a Secretary at Bogota, expressing a wish for 
a letter from Barranquilla to my parents, which I agreed to give. His 
instructions to my guide had the efi"ect of making my journey much more 
pleasant than it would otherwise have been. 

At 3 oclock A. M. when I arose to pursue my journey, my stranger 
friend also got up and over a glass of his anise cordial bade me a kind 
" adios " and away I started by moonlight with grateful feelings that 
persons seldom experience after so short an acquaintance. About daylight 
we passed through the hamlet of llebollera, one league from Turbacco as 
the road runs, but owing to the damage it had sustained from previous 
rains, we were obliged to take so many circuitous turns, that we trebled 
the distance. Two leagues further on we stopped to breakfast at Cana- 
veral, another pretty little hamlet. The road was better but still compelled 
to deviate from the direct path so frequently that it was ten oclock before 
we reached the little village of Sipacoa distant about two leagues. There 
are no intermediate houses between these hamlets or villages, the space is 
covered with impenetrable forests, without water, which undoubtedly is 
the grand cause of its uncultivated state for the soil appears to be good. 
Wherever water can be obtained you find as many inhabitants settled 
round, as it will supply through the dry season, and the whole stock of 
the little hamlet will consist of Jacks, goats, fowls and occasionally a hog. 
On leaving a village my guide always procured a good supply of the Cocoa- 
nuts for the sake of the water with which they are filled ; we found it a 
very necessary precaution for without the liquor of the nuts we might 
have wished in vain for a cooling nutritious beverage to quench our thirst 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 451 

while crossing this savanna or extensive plain. The road improves as 
wc advance through forests of ipimensely large trees of which Mahogany 
claims pre-eminence, it drops in leaves twice a year, is bare now ; the 
bark is smooth, of a brown color ; the majority of these trees are larger 
in circumference than a hogshead, running up without much tapering to 
the height of from 80 to 100 feet before it throws out a branch. 

I was much interested at observing quite a cavalcade of jacks pass us 
loaded with planks of mahogany about twenty feet long, three inches thick ; 
two of those planks constituted a load for a pair of jacks. The patient 
brutes, with the ends lashed on either side of their respective pack saddles 
were jogging along in their sober pace, eight or ten in number, the driver 
on the last one bringing up the rear. It is surprising the weight and 
magnitude these poor animals carry for so great a distance without stop- 
ping — fourteen leagues without food or water ! I ! The Palm-tree bears 
off the crown of beauty from the other forest trees ; it does not often attain 
to a great height, but its elegant leaves emerging from the very top of a 
straight, smooth and tapering body, assuming an oval shape of evergreen 
contrasts well with the naked branches of some of the lordly trees around. 
The leaves of the palm tree are used here for thatching houses, but at home 
as fans for the ladies. The perpetual verdure of the woods with its bright 
green foliage always adorn these grounds and is a most refreshing sight. 
At Sipacoa, the first Cocoa-trees are seen after leaving Carthagena, but 
now we meet with them in every village. The body of the Cocoa resem- 
bles at a distance the palm, entirely without branches; it rises from the 
ground with a smooth and slightly tapering trunk from 30 to 50 
feet. They exactly resemble the feather of a fowl — but rather larger 
you will suppose — as they measure from the point to the end of the stem 
from ten to fourteen feet ; they are also three feet broad and winged. 
Between these feathery leaves on the top of the tree the fruit is seen in a 
cluster of about a dozen, in every stage of vegetation from the bud to 
the falling cocoanuts. 

Black cattle and horses are rarely met till near Barranquilla, their only 
fodder is corn-stalks and a species of rush, but the provision for man is 
scarcely better. 

The plumage of the Birds in these dense forests is superb, of very 
many varieties ; the macaw or ''guayamayo" is the most elegant of all others, 
but its hideous scream i.s such a disagreeable noise as counterbalances its 
beauty. The many different species of the parrot kind are found in per- 
fection with all their gaudy plumes. A small kind of black monkey is 
constantly seen. A small species of the wild turkey(^w/ic/i^?-aca) is also very 
common and is fine eating. I procured a number with my fowling piece — 
which by the way is an excellent article for travelers in this country. At 
7 oclock we dismounted at San-Estanislado, on the night of the 29th a large 
village regularly laid out in squares, on one of the mouths of the River 
Magdalena, containing about 6 or 8000 souls. This place is five leagues 
from Sipacoa ; here we swung our hammocks for the night after supping. 
Dec. 30 at 4 oclock were on the road agaiuf and though it was night could 
not but be struck with the beautiful appearance of the coco tree with its 
conical figure when contrasted with the white washed cottages with thatched 
roofs. At Agua Pablo six leagues further on we halted for breakfast. 
It is a place of cousiderable size, the houses of a uniform size and plastered 
over. It would amuse you to see me taking my meal in this village, the 
shed in which I am eating is detached from the house, in ouu corner of au 



452 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

enclosure ; my landlord is one of the richest men in the village. His stock 
of all kinds is half starved, and all have free access to my table, which is 
a large bowl or flat bottomed "calaboza" 'turned upside down to suit the 
present exigency, next comes a calaboza pitcher of water, a calaboza plate, 
a calaboza spoon ( but no knives or forks ; they recollect that fingers were 
made before them, and do not think it worth while to atttempt any im- 
provement on Nature), calabozas for cups and calabozas for dishes — 
now we've set the table, we'll show the "bill of fare." 

The first thing the guide did after swinging my hammock — which is 
always done at stopping places — was to procure a fowl, the neck was 
twisted, and before the poor thing was defunct it had lost its feathers; in 
two minutes it was in the pot, and in ten more on my table 1 I 
was too hungry to stop to consider the chances of its coming to life again, 
but ate away sans cdremonie, my hands performing the duties of knife and 
fork ; a calaboza spoon was used to convey the contents of a bowl (it was 
a very fashionable dish called " San-cocho — being a compound of salt 
meat, plantains, yams, sweet potatoes, onions, rice and juca) to the mouth. 
While the operation of mastication progressed, was very much annoyed 
by the group of naked children, famished dogs, cats and goats which were 
jostling and crowding to approach as near as possible to what they con- 
sidered my sumptuous banquet. The intrusion at last became so unbear- 
able, that to rid myself of the nuisance, I threw a single drumstick to be 
divided among the curs according to the most approved rules of canine 
justice. The ruse du yuerre to rid myself of such a heterogeneous mass of 
foes as beset me, (now increased by ducks, turkeys, hogs, men and women) 
was indeed the occasion of a general fight, " Oh ! what a row, what a 
rumpus and a rioting" — the "din of war" was long and loud. 
The contending hosts went pell-mell out of one end of the hut whilst the 
" bone of contention " was removed through the kindness of a pig. At 
the commencement of the battle, much to my relief men, women, children, 
goats and cats had scampered oflf in delectable confusion leaving me the 
sole possessor of the premises and the undisturbed partaker of my meal. 

At 2 oclock we left this memorable spot and at 5 drew up at Sabana 
Larga five leagues from Aqua Pabelo. This is a beautiful large place 
and like all the other Colombian villages is tastefully laid out at right 
angles, it is of an oblong shape; the houses of a uniform size and equi- 
distant from each other, covered with a cement and whitewashed ; a fine 
large yard is attached to each dwelling, in which are a number of elegant 
coco's groaning with fruit' in clusters between the leaves. My want of 
the Spanish here, was the cause of my making quite a mistake in directing 
the guide, when I wished to start on our route again. I meant to have 
said we will go at tu-o oclock, but adding a word more than was necessary 
to express my meaning, he came to me hoo hours after turning in, with 
word that he was all ready for a start, and away we went at eleven oclock 
at night, but as the road was good, I neither regretted our short rest or 
speedy start. We passed through the Arrogo-Grande which is now nothing 
but a dry bed, but in the rainy^eason a turbid dangerous stream, a barrier 
to all travelers on this road. We met a large body of Militia going to the 
parade ground, at Malambo, all mounted on jackasses. At Soladad, two 
leagues further on, we saw a large battalion of the same kind of troops, 
under review and drill. It is two leagues from here to Barranquilla, 
where we arrived about half past eight o'clock, a. m., fatigued, hungry 



Legacy of IIistokical Gleanings. 453 

and sleepy, having traveled thirty-nine miles without stoppuge. The 
same ride by day would have been impracticable from the heat of the sun. 

The guide took us up to the most elegant house I have seen in South 
America with its many trees for use and ornament as Cocoa, and Tama- 
rind ; after dismounting the baggage he was off, which gave me an 
ojjportunity of examining the premises. 

The dvvoHing is built of stone, with a terraced roof from which there is 
a One view of the river Magdalena, of the distant snow-capped mountains 
of San Martha with its white peak 19000 feet above the sea, the village 
and surrounding country. The front of the building is of a chaste con- 
struction covered with white cement, the rooms five in number are twelve 
or fourteen feet high with stone floors — cool and airy — there is no second 
story. I was asking three or four slaves who had come out to get a sight 
of me, where Seiior Glen lived, when the guide returned and Edward Glen 
with him, who cordially welcomed me to his house. " You are home now," 
says my old friend, " I will have your things put away and then for break- 
fast." After which he showed me to my apartments, where I found a 
bath ready and my hammock swung, I soon passed (hroiii/h the first, and 
then info the second where a comfortable snooze carried off all the effects 
of my fatigue. 

The Glens live in grand style, with three or four blacks to wait on the 
table and two or three in the kitcheu. Edward has engaged a young man 
to give me lessons in Spanish, to commence tomorrow and in all probabil- 
ity I will remain here till John Glen comes over. I am anxious to see 
him again, as he undoubtedly will bring home letters. Barranquilla is a 
large village containing about 6000 inhabitants. The houses are not as 
compact, nor are the streets as regularly laid out as most of the Colom- 
bian villages are, yet the place looks well, a number of tasty mansions, 
belonging to foreigners, built of stone cemented over and white-washed, 
of which Glen's is the most conspicuous, adds togetlier with its orna- 
mental trees to the beauty of the place. 

A branch of the Magdalena running past here empties in the sea at 
Sanvanilla seven leagues off ; the water is sufficiently deep to bear away 
loaded ves.sels of 60 tons, a number of which belonging to the Glens are 
constantly employed by them in transporting goods up the river and along 
the sea coast. The larger boats are built of vario.us kinds of timber in 
the strongest manner ; the knees are stout and the seams are well caulked. 
The smaller sizes are from 20 to 80 feet long and from 2 to 8 feet wide ; 
they are all flat bottomed. These boats are propelled in absence of a fair 
wind by the Boga or boatmen's long setting pole, with a fork at the end 
to prevent its sinking too deep in the mud. I need not ask you to write 
by every packet, for you must be aware of the loneliness of my situation 
here till the language becomes familiar, and can judge of my anxiety to 
hear of every little circumstance connected with home, every letter will 
be a treasure to me. 

I leave this with Edward Glen in a week's time on a visit to St. Martha, 
distance 30 leagues, lor a day or two, and then ai'ter reaching Bogota, will 
have sailed all of the navigable Magdalena River. I shall write you 
again before leaving this to join General Harrison, which will go over in 
the packet that brings John Glen ; this leaves by the vessel that I came 
in. Your letters after the receipt of this, should be directed to Bogota. 
I wrote to Gen. Harrison from Carthagena of my wish to remain here 



454 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



sometime, expressing, however, my readiness to join him sooner than I 
had contemphited if he required it, and now I hold myself prepared to 
" pack up my tatters," at fi moment's warning. I am careful of my health, 
but fear no difficulties nor the climate. The only news that I could glean 
here and at Carthagena is, that there are more persons concerned in the 
late disturbances at Bogota than was at first supposed, the arrests are still 
going on ; a person was committed to prison the day before yesterday in 
Carthagena. Popayan is in a state of commotion, the Capital in the 
hands of the rebels, Bolivar with the Southern division of the Army is 
marching down to defeat them, while the Peruvians in large force are 
hastening to their assistance. 500 men left Carthagena, a few days since, 
to join the Liberator. All this makes the timely arrival of General 
Harrison at Bogota, a very desirable thing to the AineTicans in this un- 
settled Country. 

In traveling through this new, wild and comparatively unknown coun- 
try, I keep a Journal of which my letters home are, in all important points 
a copy ; if they are preserved, they may be amusing hereafter and perhaps 
useful in case, that by accident, the original should be lost. Perhaps you 
will think it a meagre journal, but it is a task never before attempted by 
me, and I think or at least hope the numbers will improve. I will en- 
deavor at all events to be more systematical and connected. Long letters 
will keep up my acquaintance with my mother tongue, otherwise I might 
stand a chance of losing all knowledge of it, since the Spanish language 
now engrosses all my attention ; by the way, it is quite as easy for me to 
acquire as I anticipated, the pronounciatiou is the most difficult part. I 
must now close, having— as I hope you will in writing to me — filled 
my paper. I can only get letters from across the ocean once a month, 
then all write. Edwafd Glen is a fine, noble fellow ; he says and also 
does Cato that I must not forget them in writing to those at home. 

Remember me to all. Wishing each one a very Happy New Year and 
many of them. 

Most truly and sincerely yours, 




X.<^ 



General Solomon A^an Rensselaer, P. M. 

Albany, New York. Estado Unidos del Norte. 




^'^' ^ySSMiZCtSmartlf^^^ 




Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 455 

Oen. Van, Rensselaer to his Son. 
My dear Rensselaer. Albany January 18, 1829. 

Glen sails in a few days by whom I send this, I have procured your 
Commission and inclose it. I have also a tin box contaiiiin<r your 
masonic diplomas from the encampment at Hudson, this I will send down 
to New York if I find a chance. 

Charles E. Dudley is appointed a Senator to Congress. 

Governor Van Buren's trouble is commencing ; he is very friendly to 
me. He was at the Jackson dinner and, although my .seat was some dis- 
tance from him, he asked me to drink wine with him and the same evening 
at the ball was very sociable with me. 

Chauncey Humphry, Stillwoll, Dr. h'taats and Mahar are candidates 
for my office, poor fellows they are ridiculed and laughed at • their leaders, 
as I am told, do not wish for a change, but I shall not trust to appear- ' 
ances. About the last of February 1 intend to visit Washington and 
trust to my own strength and influence with the old Hero. 1 may also 
be of service to my good friend Gen Harrison. I shall at least know 
what he has to expect, oppose any measure that may be hostile to him and 
write the result to him, from that place. As they all write I have little 
more to say than to remind you that you are now thrown, as I was, upon 
the world ; you have powerful friends to push you along by their influence, 
but all must now depend upon yourself. To high Heaven I commit you, 
and trust that you may be a credit to your name and Country is the prayer 
of your aff'ectionate father, SoL. Van Rensselaer. 

Dear Rensselaer, my heart says Amen to the prayer of your beloved 
Father, so I will only add, my greatest desire is that you will be guided 
by the dictates of the Third Chapter of Proverbs. Take good care of 
Cato. May God bless and preserve you prays your Mother. 

Arrjet Van Rensselaer. 

Col. Reus. Van Rensselaer, Bogota, S. A. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
South American Letters Continued. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 

Dear Father, Barranquilla, Feb. 6, 1829. 

You see that I have given this letter a number 3, which will be done 
to all the regular ones I write home, it is a hint taken from Carter 
Harrison, by it you will know if any miscarry. I have sent you ono 
from Carthagena, one from here and one from Santa Martha, the last is 
considered a kind of supplement to the others and not counted a regular 
one. I have been waiting the last fortnight with much anxiety to hear 



456 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

from home, as the January Packet from the U. S. should have been here 
then, it has not yet arrived and hardly knew how to account for its long 
passage. We have had some tempestuous weather here lately ; a 
schooner's wreck with sailor's hats, &c., was driven ashore on the coast 
near this three weeks since. The frigate Colombia, which had taken to 
harbor in Santa Martha, was obliged to cut loose her four heavy anchors 
and stand out to sea, to avoid going to pieces on the breakers towards 
which she was driving in spite of all. She has since made the port of 
Carthagena good again. I hope that John Glen's vessel has waited for 
the December packet from this, if she has, a dangerous gale has been 
avoided; but if she left at the regular time I should hardly think she 
would reach her place of destination. I shall remain here eight or ten days 
more, and then go on at all events. Edward Glen does every thing to make 
my residence here pleasant, the fact of my staying so long is evidence of it, 
but still I want to be at Boj>ota as soon as possible. Since my arrival 
have been chiefly employed in studying the language, my proficiency is 
so great that I have but little difficulty in reading it, however my Yankee 
and French brogue in a measure prevent my understanding and being 
understood when speaking, yet I am well satisfied with my progress. 

On the morning of the 6th ult. I went with Senor Diego De Castro, a 
fine young man — the chief clerk of Mr. Glen, to Santa Martha. We 
left this in one of Glen's bungo about 3 o'clock A. M. Our bogador was 
a good one, he sent us along at the rate of four miles an hour ; our passage, 
a north east course, was through the chain of canos or creeks and lakes 
(between the Island Salamanca and the mainland) one of the latter is 21 
miles long and is called Cienega De Santa Marta. The land on the banks 
was generally too low and flat to admit of cultivation ; but within 8 or 10 
miles of Barranquilla we would occasionally pass a rosa or plantation of 
plantains, paw-paws and sugar cane, but excepting these, the ground is 
covered with large trees of which the Mangrove is the most numerous. 
The water on this route is covered with ducks, swans, herons, gulls, croco- 
diles, and the bittern, which stalks among the reeds with its long legs 
and neck or feeding upon fish, it makes a most singular booming cry. 
The land is covered with a large headed red monkey, foxes, turkeys, the 
nocturnal guacharocas, plovers, snipe, other water and laud birds of every 
color and description ; not forgetting the many parrots of brilliant plumage, 
with their hooked bill climbing the trees in every direction. These forests 
are also filled with tigers, deer, wild hogs, armadillos which when attacked 
roll themselves up like a ball, ant eaters, (&c. There is no great variety 
in the scenery along this water route, but on all the low ground incapable 
of tillage, the evergreen Mangrove tree with its dense foliage, excluding 
all other kinds, stands thick and high quite to the water's edge rooting in 
the mud, perfect forests. 

Where the land is tillable every variety of trees flourish in great luxu- 
riance, the very largest bearing beautiful flowers at certain seasons ; even 
now although many of the trees have dropped their leaves, yet the number 
of evergreens are so great that the forests are perpetually green and the 
aromatic odor of the blooming ones is delightful. The cultivated spota 
are " ^qv^ and far between." We passed about five or six rosas or plan- 
tations and thei/ are quite small ; the largest containing about fifteen 
acres. The one at which we stopped after daylight to cook suncocho, to 
last us through the day, was in fine order. The plantain and banana trees 
grow in straight rows, the large clusters of fruit hanging ou all ; they 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 457 

stand about eifjjht or ten feet apart ; the plantains are best when boiled or 
roasted and quite palatable, but the bananas have a more excjuisitely, lus- 
cious taste, and are eaten raw, thoui^h smaller they are of the same species. 
The trees which produce them are of soft pithy nature growing eight or 
twelve feet high, after once bearing they are cut down ; the suckers that 
spring up from its roots are suffered to grow up and bear, after which they 
are served in a similar manner. The glossy leaves are about six feet long 
and one foot wide — the fruit is four or more inches long and over an inch 
in diameter, covered with a thick peel. The papayo or papaw-tree grows 
something like the plantain, bearing a very sweet fruit resembling our 
musk-melon ; it differs from the plantain in bearing periodically, whereas 
plantain produces fruit from some one or other of the trees all the year 
round. Water and musk-melons can be and are raised here with a little 
care, as well as salads and other vegetables so as to have a constant supply, 
but the natives never think of replanting till the old crop is exhausted. 

The Juca a kind of potato but more tasteless, the yams ditto are here 
raised as well as corn, and sugar cane ; the two last are scarcely distin- 
guished from one^another when growing. The process of planting here is 
very simple, a hole is made in the ground the proper depth, the seed 
dropped in, covered and then left to itself; it would be a novelty here to 
see a hoe or any other instrument with which to mellow the ground ; they 
have not the least idea of a systematic mode of husbandry. 

I missed a great deal of fine sport by not having my gun with me, for 
the game was very plentiful, and it is seldom or never disturbed by the 
natives; it is quite tame suffering us to pass directly under them. It was 
very aggravating to be so near the wild turkeys of several species, some 
are as large as our domestic ones, others smaller, the least about the size 
of the bantam fowl. Large white, grey and blue cranes are very plentiful 
and tame, now and then a grey fox, or an alligator would show themselves 
close by us. The only disturbance we met with was on the water from 
the mosquitoes, if they are not as large as ours, their numbers supply the 
deficiency, perfect plagues. When in the larger lakes we spread our little 
sail, if the wind proved fair ; but as that was generally against us the boat- 
man was obliged to set us along with a pole for they never use the paddle 
unless in deep water. Twelve o'clock at night we arrived at Peublo-Viejo, 
■we anchored in the lake and spreading out our mats on the bottom of the 
boat slept soundly till day ; then we landed at the dirty little Indian village 
standing on a neck of land between the lake of Santa Martha and the sea. 
We were terribly anndyed by the sand flies, their numbers here are very 
great, and until an hour or two of their society had made me a little ac- 
customed to their ways, I found them almost insupportable, they are the 
first I had seen. 

This is 65 miles from B.irranquilla ; we now hired horses preferring that 
mode of going the remaining part of the route, to the difficulty of proceed- 
ing by sea in the open canoe around some very dangerous points. One 
miles ride brought us to the village of Cienega another Indian site, it was 
formerly a fine town but is now a wretched place. It was the scene of a 
famous battle during the revolution between the Patriots under Gcnl. 
Montillo, and the Royal Indians; the latter were beaten and their village 
burnt to the ground. 

Our ride from here to the hamlet of Gaira — six leagues, is mostly on 
the sea beach, excepting in some few places where the passage around 

58 



458 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

some of the headlands is too hazardous, there we are obliged to leave the 
beach, and rise through tortuous, difficult, and narrow defiles over the 
points of the hills of St. Martha. These hills rise up very abruptly, close 
from the sea, to the height of from 6 to 1200 feet and nearly barren, the 
trees being small and very scarce. The Snow mountains that we saw 
from sea are 60 miles back in the interiof. Between Gaira and Santa 
Martha, two leagues apart, those hills are crossed over, but before reaching 
the place at which the ascent begins, you go through a narrow vale where, 
without a breath of air, the mid-day .sun beat vertically down upon us in 
full strength ; while the white saod below reflecting back such an over- 
powering heat gave us a pretty fair idea of the vigor of the Sun when in 
the zenith. I thought it hot enough to roast a large round a-la-mode-hcef 
in ten minutes, and much feared part of my under lip was baked. I never 
enjoyed the fresh breeze so much as I did after leaving those sultry vales ; 
as we rose from the lower regions to the upper ones the pure air and fine 
prospect enlivened us and horses so much, that it enabled us to pass 
swiftly through a similar valley, on the other side, without feeling the 
eff'ects of the heat so sensibly. A pretty little stream from the hills to- 
gether with the bracing sea gales made the remaining half mile to the 
city very pleasant. We were delighted with the prospect as we halted on 
the top of the hills, perhaps 800 feet above the level of the sea, but it 
would be better still if the lands were as well cultivated below as they are 
under Mt. Holyoke or Catskill. But the ground is all in a state of nature ; 
its tenants are fierce tigers, deer, foxes &c. Santa Martha is situated in 
a sort of an amphitheatre formed by the surrounding hills, the inhabitants 
get a good supply of fresh hill water from the pretty rivulet which empties 
into the sea near it. The City is about one-fourth the size of Carthagena, 
the houses have the same heavy efi"ect as those of that seaport but not in 
so great a degree ; they are mostly one storied, built of brick or stone with 
veranda. Santa Martha is not a walled town but there are heavy batteries 
at the two Forts for its protection ; one on a high bluffy island, the other 
on the main shore on the beach ; vessels pass on either side of the island 
to enter the harbor. There was but one vessel in when I was there, a 
schooner from Boston. I gave her captain a letter for home. 

It was about 2 o'clock p. m., when we arrived here where we remained 
till the next day at 5 P. M. After dining twice with the family of Senor 
Micio and breakfasting once with Mr. Severs the U. S. Consul, we started 
homeward; our journey being principally in the night, by moonlight, 
was cool and pleasant. Although Peublo-Viejo, wTiere we left our boats, 
was only 25 miles from St. Martha, we did not reach it till 12 o'clock 
owing to the rough roads, and just as we were about embarking a guard 
of soldiers surrounded and ordered us to remain till morning, and submit 
to have our baggage searched for contraband goods. Diego being known 
to them they accepted a bottle of rum as a passport, and we went on in 
the cool night and reached home the next day. 

Every village near a navigable water has a body of soldiers quartered 
in it, to prevent the smuggling that has been and is still carried on by 
all nations. My jaunt to St. Martha has been a very serviceable one to 
mc, posting me up as to what will be required in going up the river, and 
has convinced me that I can bear the heat and inconveniences attending 
the trip. I ride out occasionally with Kilward Glen which has made the 
geographical situation of this section of the country quite familiar to me. 
Five leagues west of this is the tidy little village of Gallapa where we 



' Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 459 

once rode to dun the priest for cotton. We saw one or two cotton rosas 
on the road, they are badly cultivated, only one crop is taken from a piece 
of <!;round, and then the squatters leave it for another virgin piece. Cotton 
and Indigo are the natural products of this sandy country, the first is 
raised in small quantities, the la?t not at all in this province. Oo the 
20th went with my very gooAfriend to Savinilla the sea port at the mouth 
of this river, where he is now loading a Scotch brig with fustic and cotton; 
in going we passed through Camacho. Laplaya to the custom house in the 
port a'nd the fort at Point Savinilla terminated our ride. The Fort, so 
called, is eight leagues from home and nothing but a piece of ground 
leveled at the mouth of the port in a good situation on a promontory, 
which not only commands the entrance to the harbor but the back ground 
also, it now is poorly fortified and as ba^ly manned, it has four large 
cannon mounted. Camacho and Laplaya are two hamlets being the 
dwellings of the proprietors of the immense herds of Black cattle that 
graze on the plains of their vicinity; these savannas afiord excellent 
pasturage for the congregated beasts. We were well armed in going to 
this fort and were in hopes of bringing home the skin of a lion that has 
been in the habit lately of eating up the goats at the Custom House, but 
were disappointed in not seeing him as was the poor old custom house 
officer. 

We are to have another hunt in a few days, the party is to be composed 
of Edward, myself and Cato with two others and Salamanca is to be the 
scene of our valorous achievements against these " lords of the forest," a 
description will be added hereafter. The woods on this coast are infested 
with great numbers of wild animals among which are foxes, rabbits, hogs, 
deer and tigers. The tigers are very destructive to the goats and young 
stock — it is quite common for them to invade the door yards at night for 
booty — but at the sight of a man they flee to their fastness in the thorny 
underbrush, where they cannot be pursued ; but if wounded or provoked 
they defend themselves with desperation and are extremely dangerous. 
I was much amused with the result of a contest between one of these 
tigers and a full grown buck negro. The point of contention was a calf 
in charge of the negro : it appears that the depredator impelled by severe 
hunger, could not resist the passing opportunity of a fine fat yearling, but 
immediately reversing his usual time for such operations, left his mid-day 
lair for the onslaught. The coveted prey was soon on his back, and the 
victor marching ofi" in triumph, when the pursuing negro seized the bellow- 
ing victim by one of his hind legs, upon which a trial of strength — last- 
ing some minutes, took place between the two champions. The four legged 
hero finding his course impeded by the woolly head(?d Sambo, released his 
captive to beat off the intruder. His first charge or leap was a gallant one, 
and Cuffee's story would have been a short and dismal one, but that 
fortunately he had a quick eye, strong arm, and the circumstance of his 
having a blunderbu.ss in his left hand occurring to him at the moment (a 
thing it appears he had entirely forgotten) which he presented, in the 
vigor of desperation to the breast of the raging tiger, with such effect that 
both recoiled back some feet without any visible damage to either. From 
the attitude of each of the belligerents now, it seemed as if both had 
acquired a formidable opinion of the prowess of the other as a result of 
the last attack. The tiger Stood growling ominously and shewing his teeth 
at the disappointment : the excitement which had for the time being 
usurped the place of fear in the negro, at the first danger of his calf, now 



460 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

left him and for the first time he realized his own peril. He has a gun 
it is true but he scarcely knows its use ; and as he turns to flee, the 
treacherous tiger perceiving the intention makes another spring at him, 
and the afi'righted black levels, this time fires and by a miracle shot true, 
the whole charge of slugs passing directly through the heart of the monster. 
The scene of this action was on the island of«Gomer opposite and one mile 
from Barranquilla. The slave is owned by Senor Antonio Mendoza who 
keeps Mr. Glen's cattle ; the head of the ferocious animal which I saw 
was an enormous one. 

One more instance occurred in that vicinity during my stay, of a tiger's 
being successsfully encountered, single handed and that too by a gallant 
boy of sixteen jears of age. He was out with his jackass for wood hav- 
ing with him only a lance; w^ile engaged in loading his beast, hearing 
his two little curs bark, he looked round and perceived a large tigress 
descending a gigantic tree which stood near him. With the decision of a 
man he ran with his lance and pierced her through before she could reach 
the ground, and then went to discover the object of the dogs' attack ; it 
was a half grown cub, which after a furious conflict yielded itself prisoner 
to the young Nimrod. The boy's father proved himself a brute by kill- 
ing the cub and flogging the lad for what he termed his temerity. The 
hides of both the tigress and her cub are now in the possession of Edward 
S. Glen. The dread of those tigers appear to be almost universal, I never 
could make up a party to hunt them for love or money. I once went out 
alone for six or eight hours but without any success. The extreme dull- 
ness of Barranquilla which I had a fair opportunity of testing whilst 
waiting three months, gave me plenty of time for study, writing and 
gunning. The paucity of game, among the shrubs of the sandy plains in 
the immediate neighborhood, compelled me, in the pursuit of my favorite 
amusement, to cross the Magdalena where in the vicinity of Mr. Glen's 
" rosa " the greatest number of ducks of the teal species, enliven the 
numerous Iwjoons of the Savanna groves, together with plover, snipes, &c. 
There I would frequently hie to pass an idle hour ; the beauty of the 
grove was enchanting and the freshness of the sea-breeze wafted over the 
little lakes destroyed all the baneful influence of the midday sun. The 
rich bed of grass, with which the whole plain was covered, afi"orded the 
sportsman a fine opportunity of approaching unperceived as near the flocks 
of devoted ducks as he could desire, one or two shots generally gave Cato 
and myself as much of a load as we wished to carry a mile to the river. 
This place was visited regularly twice or thrice a week for a month or 
two, and every time with success, but at length a little adventure occurred 
which induced me, through motives of caution to discontinue my visits to 
that fascinating spot. 

Being one day intent upon getting in a favorable position for a fair shot 
at a fine large flock of ducks, and crawling as usual in the grass nearer 
the pond in which they sported, when almost within the desired distance, 
I was surprised and alarmed by the sudden agitation of the grass under 
my " all fours." Withdrawing my attention from the ducks to discover 
the cause, imagine my horror at discovering a very large snake directly 
under me. The ducks of course were, at the moment, forgotten, and my 
first idea was to shoot the reptile but simultaneously Gate's machete or 
chopping knife occurred to mc, for which I called and saved my ammuni- 
tion. Whilst Cato was approaching ffrom the distance with his weapon, 
the snake was making oft', but I followed to keep him in sight, till Cato 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 461 

came up. The serpeut then stopped and threw himself in attitude for 
battle; a more threateuiuj; object could scarce present itself. About three 
feet of its len'i;th protruded above the <;rass ; its fiery eye, the brandishing^ 
of its forked tongue with the quick opening and shutting of its ponderous 
jaws proclaimed its deadly rage. Cato made one mis-blow with the 
machete, the snake darted at him in return with like success. I then took 
the tool my.self and was lucky enough to sever the head from its body at 
the first stroke. The color was a beautiful rich cream color, studded over 
with small glossy black spots ; it measured eight feet, and I afterwards 
learned that its bite is deadly and incurable. How I escaped touching it 
in passing over him on my hands and knees is a mystery to me, he then 
was basking in the sun and probably sleeping; if I had unfortunately 
touched him, one bite would have told my story. The danger at all events 
was too apparent for me as a prudent person to expose myself to a like 
hazard the second time ; I never went there for ducks again. 

On February Loth Edward received a letter from his brother John 
dated " New York Dec. 2-lth," in which he states his intention of return- 
ing by way of St. Thomas and Jamaica; this letter came via. Chagres, but 
does not lessen my apprehensions for his safety, as he has had time to ac- 
complish all, but is not yet here. As Edward thinks that John will 
certainly go on immediately to Bogota after bis return, and being so 
urgent that I shall wait for his arrival. I will now remain till the Febru- 
ary packet from New York arrives. Fehriuirij "IZrd. I was this day ex- 
tremely gratified by the receipt of an answer to my letter from Carthagena , 
of Dec. 25th to General Harrison. His letter dated Bogota Feb. 7th says : 
" Upon my arrival here evening before last I received yours &c." He 
mentions that his furniture had not yet arrived and of course had not yet 
commenced housekeeping, he concludes with : " H this letter should find 
you still at Barranquilla you can use your own discretion as to the time 
of your departure. Whenever you do come, it will give me much pleasure 
to receive you as the son of an old and highly valued friend." That let- 
ter has confirmed me in my intention of remaining some time longer here, 
for the sake of John Glen's company up the river. The General's letter 
of which the above is the substance, suits me exactly ; his remark about 
his furniture is intended to give me an idea of his as yet unsettled state, 
and is as I take it, an indirect way of saying he is not yet re?»dy to receive 
me, but notwithstanding he will be glad to see me for your sake at any 
time. 

March 3r(?, Edward Glen last evening received a package of letters 
from his friends at home by the brig Medina, which left his brother at 
St. Domingo and is now in Santa Martha. Our fears are now at an end 
respecting John Glen, he will go to Jamaica before he riiturns. I am in 
hopes of bearing from our Consul at Carthagena, in reply to mine, regard- 
ing Gen. Harrison's furniture, still detained in the Custom House for 
duty, if my information is correct I shall put it in a train to be sent on 
before I leave this. It takes two months for heavy or bulky articles to 
reach Bogota from Carthagena therefore my waiting will be out of the 
question. The war with Peru is no more, it died a natural death after 
ner vessels had been repulsed in an attempt against Guayaquil and a few 
companies of her troops were beaten on land by a similar number of 
Colombians. The insurrection at Popayan headed by a discontented Colonel 
has also been quashed. The Country is tranquil and its affairs evidently 
improving, a proof of which is that a certain proportion of its Exchequer 



462 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

bills are receivable now at the Custom House for duties, a thing heretofore 
not allowed, and General Bolivar's disposition to facilitate the commercial 
intercourse with tliis country is manifested in his late order opening the 
Port of Savinilla for exportation. In consequence of Edward's pressure 
of business we have not been able to leave home for our lion hunt, and 
now as our preparations for the jaunt up the river takes up all our time, 
we will be obliged to lay that resolution on the table. John Glen has 
arrived but having touched at Jamaica, in his passage, he sent my letters 
on by the N. Y. packet and I now have the mortification and disappoint- 
ment to know they have gone on to Bogota. My exposure to the climate 
and the Sun has been frequent and intentional ; after landing I used 
much caution in going out scarcely ever without my umbrella, but as I 
became more and more inured was less guarded, and now X feel as safe in 
venturing abroad without any extraordinary precautions as most of the 
natives. The only indisposition of any kind that I have experienced here, 
was a slight headache at Santa Martha after crossing its hills and confined 
vales, but an half hour's uap made me strong as ever, and now look for- 
ward to my pas.sage up the river with pleasure. 

What an agreeable diversity I will experience in relaxation from study 
while going with the windings of the River Magdalena a distance of eighty 
miles and new objects coustantly unfolded to my vision. This journey is 
an every day occurrence with Merchants, from several of whom I have ob- 
tained much valuable information in regard to this rout ; which together 
with the assistance of my good friend Edward have made myself familiar 
with all the requisites for it, and am now amply provided with every 
necessary and many luxuries for the trip. My boat is good and I have 
three of Gleu's best men to man it, Cato and myself have mats, musquito- 
bars kc ; the awning of the boat is manufactured of leaves, impervious to 
sun or rain. Not having English or Americans aboard save Cato, will be 
an advantage to my Spanish for my crew speak no other language. I 
have been in the habit of exercising Cato with the broad-sword, by which 
I have not only made a pretty good swordsman of him, but improved my 
own knowledge of the science. It is a very necessary accomplishment 
here, as every native from necessity carries a machetta or long knife, 
without it he could never make his way through the underbrush of the 
forest; besides the machetta is substituted for the ax, hoe and spade, 
being therefore an essential instrument to every workman. It is not at all 
extraordinary that strangers who have seen these natives so generally 
wearing them, should from that very circumstance form an unfavorable 
impression of their character. Indeed the ragged clothes and long beard 
of some of these fellows, make tliem appear the perfect counterpart of 
what Fancy would present as the picture of a complete ruffian. The fact 
of the weapon being often drawn when travelling does not tend to destroy 
the image. I have often when passing them at night had a pistol out ready 
for an emergency, but I have never had a cross word or look from any of 
them ; on the contrary have ibund them to posess much of that obliging 
disposition of our own backwoodsmen, but more ignorant; they are great 
beggars, nor are they as strong or as brave, the sight of a firearm will 
scatter a dozen. 

Notwithstanding the exaggerated accounts that we had at home of the 
unsettled state of the Country, originating in a measure in the selfishness 
of the resident merchants, I am well pleased not only with the people, but 
with the country which is now tranquil. 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 463 

T hope that a very few years will see me again on the banks of the 
bonny Hudson with a sufficient fortune to make you all h;!p|iy. I have 
ju.st been informed that the person to whom Gen. Harrison's lurniture is 
consigned is only waiting for orders to forward it, while the General is in 
daily expectation of receiving it and therefore does not think of writing; 
under these circumstances I shall assume the responsibility of ordering it 
on. I hope that my good old Grandmother and all my friends are well. 
I suppose Aunt Maria by this time is Mrs. Jacob S. Glen. Give my best 
love to one and all. Yours as ever, 

^ Renssklaer Van Rensselaer. 

Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, New York, North America. 

Andrew Jackson. 
General Andrew Jackson had a triumphant election and on the 4tb of 
March, 1829, an imposing inauguration to the office of president. "Seve- 
ral surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution surrounded the old 
hero, when he took the oath of office as the seventh president of the 
United States." In this presidential contest there had been almost un- 
exampled malignity of party feeling which discharged heavy guns ; but 
the successful candidate constructed a cabinet wholly of his political 
friends. " It was done with decision, and then with inflexible honesty, a 
strong will, incorruptible integrity, and audacity which amazed his friends 
and alarmed his opponents, he began the administration of public affiiirs 
with great vigor." Among the visitors at Washington was Gen. Van 
Rensselaer not only to be present at the inauguration, but also to meet any 
proscriptive tendency that might be afloat. " General Jackson scrupulously 
rejected all party or personal considerations in regard to Hon. Van Rens- 
selaer's politics, and behaved most honorably in his distribution of official 
patronage. When introduced by Mr. Livingston, the president took his 
hand in both of his own remarking that he had long wished to see Gene- 
ral Van Rensselaer, and continued he : ' If there was any thing he could 
do for him, besides taking care of the present Post Office, he must men- 
tion it to him,' adding ' I well recollect your decided conduct in mt/ state 
in 1797 (Tennessee) at the head of your noble troop of Dragoons, the 
finest in the service — that you did not come to action was not your fault. 
You were also the first to draw your sword and shed your blood after the 
disgraceful surrender oi'Hull, the fall of Brock was a very great achieve- 
ment. Your country owes you much Sir.' A miserable set of democratic 
cormorants at Albany applied to the old hero for the removal of Gen. 
Van Rensselaer from the Albany Post Office, but that splendid type of 
Revolutionary times made this high souled and patriotic reply : ' By the 
Eternal 1 will remove no man from office who carries British lead in his 
body.' He would not be guilty of such a wanton outrage." 

A New Anecdote of Oen. Jackson. 
After Jackson's first election in 1829, a strong eflfort was made to re- 
move Gen. , an old revolutionary soldier, at that time postmaster in 

one of the principal New York towns. He had been so fierce an Adams 
man that the Jackson men determined to displace him. Silas Wright 
had just left his seat as a Representative in Congress from New York, 
and was precisely the man to head a movement against the old Postmaster. 
His influence with Jackson was boundless. His force in debate made 
him a match for the giants themselves; and as Mr. Van Buren was thca 



464 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Jackson's Secretary of State the combination was powerful. The old 
Postmaster, knowing that these two political masters were against him,- 
went to Washington, called upon the President immediately upon his 
arrival, and was most courteously received and requested to call again, 
which he did several times, but nothing was said about the post office. 
The old postmaster now heard from his friends at home that the important 
document was on its way, so he resolved on a coii^ de main. The next 
day there was a presidential reception, and among the early visitors was 

Gen. . After a cordial greeting by Gen. Jackson, he quietly took 

his seat and waited until the long train of visitors had duly saluted the 
nation's chief and passed through the grand east room on their way 
home. The President turned to his venerable guest with some surprise, 
as he noticed him still seated on one of the sofas, and entered into fami- 
liar conversation with him, when, to his amazement, the old soldier said, 
" Gen. Jackson, I have come here to talk to you about my office. The 
politicians want to take it from me, and they know I have nothing else to 
live upon." The President made no reply, till the aged postmaster began 
to take off his coat in the most excited manner, when Old Hickory broke 
out with the inquiry. " What in heaven's name are you going to do ? 
Why do you take off your coat in this public place? " " Well Sir, I 
am going to show you my wounds, which I received in fighting for my 
Country against the English." " Put it on at once Sir ! " was the reply. 
" I am surprised that a man of your age should make such an exhibition 
of himself," and the eyes of the iron President were suffused with tears, 
as without another word he bade his ancient foe good evening. The very 
next night the crafty and able New York politician called at the White 
House and sent in his card. He was immediately ushered into the pre- 
sence, and found Jackson in loose gown and slippers, seated before a 
blazing wood fire, quietly smoking his long pipe. After the ordinary 
courtesies had been exchanged, the politician opened his budget. He 
represented the district from which the venerable post-master hailed ; said 
the latter had been a very active advocate of John Quincy Adams ; that 
he had literally forfeited his place by his earnest opposition to the Jack- 
son men, and that if he were not removed the new administration would 
be seriously injured. He had hardly finished the lust sentence, when 
Jackson sprung to his feet, flung his pipe into the fire, and exclaimed, 
with great vehemence, ' I take the consequences, Sir, I take the conse- 
quences. I will not remove the old man. I cannot remove him. Why, 
Mr. Wright, do you know that he carries more than a pound of British 
lead in his body ?" CoL. Forney. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 
My Dear Father, Barranquilla, March, 17, 1829. 

My home letters sent from Jamacia were fowarded from St. Martha to 
Bogota, it is truly a disappointment not to receive them here, but then 
having concluded from the bearing of Mrs. Visscher's letter to Edward, 
of February 1st, that nothing extraordinary has occurred in our family (ex- 
cepting the marriage to take place on the 17th) I endeavor to agree with 
the tourist moralist who perhaps under like circumstances says : "In a 
fleeting world like this how foolish it is to fret and ever worry ourselves 
with tlie petty vexations of such a transient existence." It is however 
some consolation to know those letters are not lost but await my joining 
General Harrison. I was misinformed regarding his furniture, it was 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 465 

forwarded by Mr. Bunch, the consii^nee. iinnierliately after its arrival in 
Carthaa;cna, and must by this time be near or at its journey's end. I there- 
fore only wait John Glen's arrival, in his own home, to avail uiy.self of his 
company up the river; thoui^li I should not stay if it was not certain that 
either himself or Edward will go on. I suppose the snow, of which I un- 
derstand you have had such an abundant supply this winter, has made 
your city quite lively. Often times when pensively admiring the resplen- 
dent beauty of the moonlight nights in my tropical abode, do I think of 
pleasant scenes at home at such moonliL^ht revels, and wish for the power 
of ubiquity that I might occasionally enjoy the pleasures of those sleigh 
rides, behind the jingling sleigh bells, in the society of " loved ones " who 
would not give refinement a cause to blush. Here snow is out of the 
question, nor have I seen a drop of rain as yet f' the Schenectady 
road will give you an idea of these in a dry time, for the soil, but not the 
width as these roads are merely sufficiently wide to allow two loaded jacks 
to pass each other. Having spoken of the roads I will now give you a few 
of the phases of Society as come under my observation. 

Being invited among the rest of Mr. Glen's family I attended several 
parties, one of which I shall endeavor to describe. It is customary at 
every Christening, wliich takes place at the eighth day after the birth of 
an infant, to invite all visiting friends and to close the evening with a 
dance. On this occasion Seilor Jose Maria Peilez the " Juez Politico" 
was met at the church by his friends at the baptism of a son ; each of the 
guests upon entering the aisle was presented with a lighted candle which 
he held in his hand whilst the Curate was performing the ceremony, of 
which by the way, not one word could be distinguished as the discordant 
sounds of the organ from the commencement, absorbed in the vortex of 
its own notes all other things, otherwise audible. The christening over, 
all the guests proceeded in regular order, two and two, accompanied by 
guards with lanterns to the dwelling, where the congratulations first took 
place. Then the guests after tasting such of the various kinds of potables 
as they fancied, partook of a great variety of cakes, and sugar preserves, 
y'cleped " dukes'' after which they, according to the custom of the country 
Jilled their pnr/cefs. Appetites having been fully satisfied with the redun- 
dant stores of cakes, candies, liquors and cigars, the gentlemen felt them- 
selves competent to perform the more pleasing part of their duties, on this 
evening, by waiting upon the ladies. The doors of the adjoining room 
were accordingly thrown open to the sound of music from a very good 
band, and lo ! all the beauty of Barranquilla was discovered, seated round 
the dancing room in " dread array." I have frequently seen beauty so 
displayed at home in the same systematic, terrific order; and have felt 
more reluctance in encountering them, than I am sure I would so many 
throat cutting banditti ; but on this occasion the beaux entering in a body 
were countenanced by each other through the trying ordeal in passing by 
the formidable assemblage. The round of revercncias were made to the 
lovely phalanx while filing by to our seats on the opposite side of the room. 
Each gentleman having selected his partner takes his stand on the floor 
and when all is ready the music strikes up, then the fair one marches up 
And takes her place opposite her accepted one when the giddy whirling 
and twisting commences. The dances generally are waltzes, though they 
have what arc called country dances, but they partake so much of the 
nature of waltzes that I can scarcely distinguish tl^m apart. 

59 



466 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

% 
The ladies wlio have come under my inspection, in this province of 
Carthafjena, are of an olive complexion, with features regular, small and 
generally handsome ; their teeth, in which they appear to take much 
pride, are always beautifully white ; their hands and feet small ; the latter 
are ever drest in silk or satin stockings and slippers. Indeed they are 
more extravagant in the dress of their i'eet than any other part of their 
person. A beautifully figured tortoise shell comb is an indispensable 
ornament to their fine heads of hair ; a figured crape shawl thrown loosely 
over is the only head-gear in doors or out; their eyes are as black as 
their hair. I had remarked the general use of cigars among all classes 
but was astonished to perceive how readily the elderly ladies could puff 
the nauseous weed, the mimic volcanoes of smoke were rising in every 
quarter of the room. A great mark of civility is to light a cigar and offer 
it to a stranger, if not accepted and smoked it is considered a mark of 
ill-breeding or contempt. 

A little girl of thirteen years danced the fandango, a sort of lively jig 
or hornpipe which threw the company into extacies of delight. The ladies 
do not look with that feeling of indignation upon the immorality of either 
sex, that our fair skinned, rosy cheeks at home do ; their ideas of delicacy 
are less fastidious than ours, as is proved not only in manners but in con- 
versation. Character is ilothing, money here is everything ; but though 
so desirable you seldom meet rich natives ; they, particularly the unedu- 
cated portion which is very great, are the most improvident fellows in the 
i world. Like our Indians if they only have for their present need, they 
' care not for the future; a showy dress and plenty to eat will suffice. 
Foreigners taking advantage of their dispositions soon realize a fortune 
from their idiosyncrasy. The most common materials, if of a showy ap- 
pearance are imported and sold at extravagant prices ; a yard of striped 
calico, for instance, sells for S1.50, other things in proportion at fabulous 
gains. The people are ignorant and indolent, they work for very low 
wages but never work unless they want money. They seldom or ever 
betray a trust, though their promises cannot be depended on ; they are 
effeminate and timorous not easily excited to quarrel ; they look upon 
foreigners as " creatures of another sphere," and dislike to offend them 
as much as they could a Sprite. One of Mr. Glen's clerks, a very clever 
native, sometime since after watching Cato and myself at our daily exer- 
cise of fencing, very civilly asked, if I would object to try my skill with 
him. I was quite glad of the opportunity of trying the science of the 
natives, and this man particularly as he had boasted frequently at table, 
of the superior agility of his countrymen at the exercise and of his own 
skill, I wanted to know how my broadsword would work on a pinch with 
the machete. The tilting match was against him, it has been repeated 
frequently with the same result; he could guard against all the cuts very 
well but two and five, but the front give point would strike him every 
time. The trial has been quite satisfactory to me and to him too, for he 
is now taking lessons of me; but I hope and think there is no danger of 
coming to the real test of my skill. Another morning while Cato and 
myself were engaged in our gymnastic exercise, the thumping of our 
sticks collected a crowd of admiring spectators round our door ; among, 
the number two expressed a desire to try my skill against their machetta 
exercise. I consented and was gratified to find that they could not parry 
a skillfully planted cut, nor guard against an occasional thrust. I was 
pleased as here everj^bian carrys a machete, and as they always resort 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 467 

to it in a fight, the idea of beinp: a match for the best of them in an ex- 
trcinicy was not an ungrateful feeling. 

I have seen a funeral. The subject, a child of two years, a neighbor 
of mine, died about ten o'clock at night j when defunct, all its female 
relatives collected and a wake with all its Irish concomitants : drinking, 
howling, praying iScc. commenced and lasted all uight to my particular 
disquiet. Very early in the morning tlie body was borne to the church 
accompanied by the acting Curate-Padre Cantillo — a man of the world, 
a skillful rake and gambler — stopping at each crossing of the streets 
where the funeral service was chanted, and holy water profusely scattered 
over the remains. The service concluded at church, the body in simply 
a winding-sheet (coffins are never used for old or young) was again com- 
mitted to the care of those who are hired for the occasion to be the howl- 
ing mourners, and amid their noisy wailing was borne and consigned to 
its last resting place. The pillow on which a person breathes his last, 
though carried to the grave with him is never interred, but being an un- 
hallowed article, or more probably the object of superstitious dread, when 
wanted no more is thrown over the sepulchral wall among the busheS, 
where the pillows of the dead hang as thick as blackberries. 

This people are greatly given to superstition, which is much encouraged 
by their spiritual advisers as also strengthened by their religious rites and 
ceremonies. One of the good women of this town set the whole place in 
commotion by reporting her house to be haunted. Her story was that on a 
certain night a " bruxa" or Witch entered the house where a lady friend 
and herself were asleep in bed, her son of eighteen years in his hammock, 
and after daubing herself and bedmate over with patches of tar, proceeded 
to the hammock of the boy giving him such a violent blow on the breast, 
with the flat hand, that he was deprived of his senses and did not recover 
till noon of next day. t-.he averred that the doors were all locked, and 
the witch consequently must have entered by the key-hole. The first use 
the boy made of his returning senses was very considerately to visit the 
Padre for absolution. The toothless bewitched old widow applied nest 
day to Mr. Glen for a servant to sleep in her house as a guard, and it 
was full a week before any clue to the mystery could be obtained. It was 
finally discovered that the other inmate of the bewitched room, a buxoin 
lass of twenty years, having silcnfly enjoyed the effects of the scheme, 
could keep her joke no longer, but avowed herself the authoress of all the 
witches pranks, to the confusion of the sages and old women who had 
made so many' profound speculations on the important event. 

We had the Feast of the Carnival, which in Italy lasts some weeks, but 
at this place where so^many are dependent upon each day's labor, they have 
been wisely reduced to three days, during which time work is out of the 
question, for all are full of fun and frolic. Upon what occasion the festi- 
val originated, I cannot now tell, whether in Paganism or some Kcclesias 
tical event. Here the aborigines of the country in their ancient dress 
appear to bear the principal parts, as it will be my part to shew in due 
order. The numerous masks who passed in groups, I observed to beat one 
another with sticks and in the scuffles, that would occasionally ensue for 
some bauble, I noticed the clothes fly in tatters, but only on one occasion 
an instance of a person's falling out of humor, and he poor devil, was well 
paid for his pettishness. A crowd of ma<ks seized him and after rubbing 
his face, with a very rough weed, till it nearly bled, held him by the heels 
aud arms extended horizontally iu the air, whilst others beat him umerci- 



468 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

fully on an unmentionable part. This tutoring was designed to show that 
as no real injury was intended to be given, therefore no person should 
evince anger at any trick played upon him. I recollected this lesson, 
when as incidentally passing out in the course of the morning, a mask threw 
an egg. It struck me fair in the breast on my immaculate white linen 
and broke, but to my satisfaction I found it had contained nothing but 
pure water ; the meat having been previously extracted for the purpose. 
This trick had been concerted by Edward with some ladies of the vicinity, 
who recompensed me for the wetting, by calling me in and surprising me 
with a shower of rose and cologne water. The next day all was knocked 
aback by their'daubing my face, white vest and pantaloons with red, yellow 
and blue water paint, till I looked more like a harlequin than any thing 
else, though I had the satisfaction of giving them a Rowland /or an 
Oliver, and subsequently I had more than the full equivalent of fun, of 
seeing all, both ladies and gentlemen daubed, that day by other masks, in 
a similar manner. 

Among all the groups, that attracted my notice, none for originality 
and becomingness of dress captivated my fancy so completely as the two 
parties of Indians ; the first party headed by their Chief chosen for the 
occasion, was selected from the immediate descendants of the unfortunate 
people they represent. The other party or civilized Indians acted in 
concert with the militia. The object of the two parties was to represent 
the final subjugation of the country, by the Spaniards over the primitive 
Indians who had been the only " lords of the soil." These two parties were 
particular in avoiding a meeting till the evening of the third day 3 in the 
meantime all were employed in seeking such diversions as best suited 
themselves. The unsubdued tribe dressed out in their aboriginal grandeur, 
each warrior bearing his bow and quiver, would occasionally dance through 
the streets to the sound of their native music, which is produced by two 
players on a kind of flute. These flutes are three feet long ; the first 
contains four finger holes and yields a melodious, wild and animating 
strain of which the people are excessively fond. The other or second flute 
has but one or two finger-holes, it with a gourd containing beans is used 
by the second person as an accompaniment to the other. The dances to 
this music were conducted with much system and regularity; a war-whoop 
given in their peculiar tone, would ^nietimes make the " welkin ring 
again." The showy dresses of this wild tribe rendered still more gaudy 
by a profusion of brilliant feathers, over which was displayed their pristine 
arms — the bow and arrow — gave them a grotesque and on the whole 
rather a splendid appearance. On the evening of the third day, at sun- 
set, the troops having formed a junction, with the body of friendly Indians, 
the combined force marched out, to an open space, where the wild tribes 
had assembled ; when a battle took place between the forces, in which the 
latter were completely routed and made prisoners, when the show ceased 
in the baptism of one of the captives. It had been nothing more than a 
burlesque Sham-fight with a few blows of the pikes and many shouts ; 
yet the show, at all events, awakened a train of ideas, which associated as 
they naturally were with the cruel and unatural treatment which the 
Ancestors of this very people received, from their blood-thirsty subduers, 
left an impression not easily eradicated. 

After a walk of two miles through the dust to see the mighty conflict 
I was returning home quite disappointed, but soon was timply compensated 
for my trouble by learning from one of the numerous masqueraders of the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 469 

day, the way to relieve a weary jackass of his burden. The fellow, dressed 
as a rouiih looking, foolish countryman, came along on his beast and stopped 
just before me saying his poor jack was tired, and that he meant to relieve 
him of a heavy load, then dismounting from the miserable nag, he took 
off the saddle and the load, then laced it on his own back. I thought 
him a very considerate fellow as the animal was scarcely able to carry its 
own weight, and supposed the ci-devant rider intended to walk, but he 
mounted again saying go on old boy you see I carry all the load, i/ou have 
nothing to carry but me. It would have passed with an Irishman as a 
bull, but the fellow's compeers took it as a superb piece of humor and 
laughed at it heartily. They have not the means in this place of carrying 
a day of this kind through with so much display as at larger towns; but 
the Indian part of the ceremony was acted to life, and has given me an 
idea of many of their customs. One of the masqueradcrs went through 
the streets painted jet black, with horns on his head, having a negro 
dancing drum in his hand, on which ever and anon he would tap and keep 
time with his feet. I have not yet received proof positive of its not 
having been the Old Nick himself, it was a good fac-simile at all events. 
Palm Siindd// is the occasion of another feast, at which time all people, both 
young and old able to walk, are seen parading the streets to the Cathedral, 
with a beautiful large mountain or cabbage palm-leaf on their shoulders. 
These leaves are all stacked up in church in a body, the priest then gives 
them a devout benediction and sprinkles them over with a profusion of 
holy water, after which each individual bears his respective leaf off to his 
home. Then after braiding the smaller fibres in basket work fashion, 
suspends the truly precious article up in a secure part of the house, where 
it acts till another year as an infallible charm or preventive against thunder 
bolts. Still another one of the great days is the Crun'Jjxion of oxir Saviour, 
when, by the aid of images, it is acted over again in every particular as 
described in Scripture. The ceremony commences in church at the be- 
trayal of Judas; and goes through with the nailing on the cross, the taking 
down, the placing in the sepulchre, the resurrection &c ; during which 
time the procession of civil and military have several perambulations around 
the streets, bearing in their ranks the Images representing Christ, of the 
Virgin Mary and several of the Apostles. 

In their progress all spectators kneel in reverential awe ; and from the 
houses of the wealthy the fumes of incense come out in clouds to mingle 
with that rising from the censers of the boys preceding the images. The 
streets too in many places are strewed with flowers, whilst every person 
show their excessive grief for the event they commemorate by the black 
color of their apparel. During the continuation of these festivities gamb- 
ling tables are seen every night posted around all parts of the town, at 
which even the poorest are found there staking their quartillo or three 
cent piece. Indeed this appears to be a universal vice ; at Carthagena 
also the number of gaming tables were very conspicuous and I was struck 
with the many votaries patronizing them especially on Sunday which was 
the popular festival day for diversions of all kinds. 

Besides Cato's faithful attendauce on me, he has always been,, at my 
desire, employed on Mr. Glen's rosa, so that he felt as contented as could 
be expected, though an cccasional regret would break forth from his honest 
bosom for home. The day was at length determined upon when Edward 
and myself were to embark upon the Magdalena, and all things required 
were in readiness, but another unavoidable contre-tcmps detains us a short 



470 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

time lonffer. I enclose a letter from Edward Grlen to Mrs. Visscher, he 
desires me to remember him kindly to you all, he thinks of going home 
within a year. 1 would like to meet him there with all my golden hopes 
realized, I would treat him as a brother. 

With love to all, Yours most truly. 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. li. V. Rensselaer. 

Post Master General to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My dear Sir, Washington, 19th March, 1829. 

Mr. Moore has assured me that your Son would be continued. On 
that head and I trust upon every other you may rest easy. In a few days 
I shall leave Washington for the West. It is painful to separate from so 
many friends in the Post Office Department. They lay very near to my 
heart and shall find a place there while life continues. From the faith- 
ful and able manner in which your duties as Post Master have been dis- 
charged, you need entertain no fear of being molested. 

Sincerely your friend, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. John McLean. 

Post-Master General John McLean was succeeded in 1829 by William 
T. Barry, but subsequently he was appointed one of the judges of the 
supreme court and did honor to his exalted station. " A ruthless pro- 
scription of political opponents, was among the first official acts of Gene- 
ral Jackson : the executive patronage was made an engine of party 
warfare ; and thus was planted the root of political depravity, which has 
since sprung into such ' foul flowering,' and overspread the nation with 
its deadly shade. The power of the president had become, in congress, 
almost resistless. The people had just emerged from one of the warmest 
political conflicts in which they ever were engaged. The victors now re- 
posed in confidence upon their almost unprecedented success, and rest from 
the fatigues of the action. The vanquished peaceably delivered up their 
arms and surrendered themselves to the caprice of fortune with patriotic 
feelings. General W. H. Harrison was one of the first victims to the 
new administration." 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to his Son. 
My dear Rensselaer, Albany, Monday, March 23, 1829. 

With this I write to Genl. Harrison, his recall I do most sincerely 
regret. I did every thing in my power to prevent it, and from the kind 
and friendly manner in which General Jackson treated me and the 
subject, I was really in hopes I had succeeded : He observed, ^^I like this, 
I like this, 'tis an amiable feeling we soldiers have for each other, I 
will think of it, I must see you to-morrow." That night there was a 
consultation, which decided my friend's recall, and when I called the 
next day, the result was made known to me. My friends are using every 
exertion with Mr. Moore and Van Buren for you, but I cannot determine 
whether they will be successful or not. If they are not, it may place 
you in an unpleasant situation j at this distance from you, I cannot give 
any advice. I must leave you to your own resources and to your God. 
I think my office is safe, such at any rate is the opinion at Washington 
and here; the little recreation I have been taking in my visit there, no 
doubt has operated in uiy favor. Another one of our old citizens is 
dead — Governor John Tayler — and is to be buried this afternoon with 
great pomp.* * * Mr. Livingston of Louisiana introduced me to Gcnl. Jack- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 471 

son who took my hand in both of his and observed he knew my cliaracter, 
had lung wisbed to see me and was then happy tlie opportunity had 
occurred. Mr. Livingston handed him a letter from Governor Lewis, in 
which he spoke in his usual strong terms about me, and among other 
things said, that I had been Adjutant-General under all the Governors 
of the State, mentioning them by name.* * * He observed to Mr. Livingston, 
"I am happy to hear from my friend Lewis, but it was unnecessary;" he 
knew that I held the Post Office to the entire satisfaction of all and that 
they wished me to retain it; and it is ccrtjunly an extraordinary 
circumstance that one man should be Adjutant General during the 
Administration of those great* men He then turned tome and said : 
" your office is sacred, your Country owe you much," and he invited me to 
call and see him frecjuently. I availed myself of the permission hoping 
to save Harrison for his own sake and for yours, and would have succeeded 
had it depended solely upon hhn and me, but there was interference. 

We anxiously are looking for letters from you, 1 hope we will be gratified 
by the next arrival of the vessel. As soon as I hear i'urther from Wash- 
ington I will again write, at any rate I shall write by Mr. Moore whenever 
he leaves the United States, but when that will be I do not yet know, I 
hope he will deal honorably to all concerned. * * * ]jy this evening's mail, 
I have received a letter from the Hon. John ^Icljcan — late Post Master 
General — informing me that Mr. Moore promised to continue you in the 
Diplomatic service in Bogota. This removes now very much anxiety from 
my mind on your account in that strange country. Be prudent, bo careful. 
Trusting, as I have always done with great pride, to your honor and in- 
tegrity, I must wait for future developments to fully understand what 
may be the position assumed by Mr. Moore in regard to your case. At 
the time your last welcome package of letters arrived, the girls were all 
busily engaged in making preparations for a dinner party (I had invited 
a number of gentlemen to dine with me that day) and amusing indeed 
was it too see all busy with allotted tasks, yet listening eagerly to every 
syllable read alternately by Richard and myself. On the 27th of last 
mouth our dear Elizabeth had anotlier little daughter, both are doing very 
well. Mag writes Jrou all the news. To high Heaven I commit you my 
dear Son, with a Fathers love and regard, 

Col. 11. Van Pt^isselaer, Bogota, S. A. Sol. Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. John Armstrong to Judge Spencer. 
My dear Judge, Red Hook, N. Y., April 28, 1829. 

I received your favor of the 17th, in course of the mail, and wrote im- 
mediately on the subject of it to the person you indicated. Mr. E. Liv- 
ingston returned yesterday from the South and passed the day with me. 
Having mentioned the business to him, he assured me that Gen. Van 
Rensselaer might make himself perfectly easy, and in support of this 
opinion, stated the following i'acts, viz, tliat while at Washington he re- 
ceived a letter from Gen. Lewis regarding it, and requesting him to take 
an interest in preventing V. R's ejection and authorizing him to shew, 
or to read, the letter to the President. On opening the subject, the Presi- 
dent stopped him. saying, '' I know Gen. Van Rensselaer's character and 
services, and a reccommendation of him from any one, is quite unneces- 
sary." Edward adds, that no one has a bettor memory, in cases of this 
kind, than Jackson, and that a promise once given by him in any form, 
is never violated. The getters up of petitions may therefore as well be 



472 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

quiet, as were there a million of them, he would fulfil his own engage- 
ment. I hope this temper will last long enough to put down the vile 
practice we have got into, of suffering a few intrigues, first to beguile the 
Executive, and then virtually to usurp his authority in making appoint- 
ments. Barry, I understand, has dismissed all suppliants, in person or by 
agents, giving them to understand, that absentees only should get appoint- 
ments, this is an approach to the golden age. I suspected and feared, Ed- 
ward goes to France. He has not yet decided in favor, but I predict his 
acceptance of the office. Under the notice you gave me, I cannot well be 
surprised at seeing you here, but were it otherwise, I need not say, that 
no more agreeable surprise could await mS. Cordially and in much haste 
Your friend and servant, J. Armstrong. 

Hon. Ambrose Spencer Esq., Albany. 

Charles A. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, New York, April 30, 1829. 

I accidentally heard this morning, that you have expressed an apprehen- 
sion lest a successful attempt should be made, to procure your removal 
from the office you now hold; and that you have stated that an endeavor 
is making to procure the appointment of another person. Is this so or 
not ? I hope that there is some mistake in it, and that, if you have so 
expressed yourself, you have been needlessly alarmed. But are you in 
any danger ? H' so, let me know and I will immediately write to the Pre- 
sident on the subject. I cannot think for an instant that Grenefal Jackson 
would ever consent to remove you from office. It would be a terrible out- 
rage of good feeling. You ought to be recommended to his favor, not 
only by your excellent character and distinguished services, but by your 
warm, uniform, honorable and manly friendship for my father. I have 
one word more, Dear General, on this subject. I was told some days 
since, that I had been named in Albany conversations as a candidate for 
your office. I did not think that such ridiculous gossip was worth the 
attention of either of us. I felt vexed and angry when I first heard it, 
but on further reflection, I was rather disposed to laugh at so ridiculous 
an invention, than to put myself in a passion about it.* I repeat, as I said 
before, that I cannot believe that your office is in danger, but if you are 
of a contrary opinion, you must let me know, and I will adopt the most 
decided measures in your behalf. As ever, your sincere friend. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P.M., Albany. C. A. Clinton. 

Berisselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 
Dear Father, Barranquilla, May 1, 1829. 

liefore my departure from this, which is to be to-morrow I shall scrawl 
out a few more lines for you. After the arrival of John Glen from the 
United States, his urgency with that of his brother's that I should wait 
till he was ready to go up the river, induced me to make up my then 
wavering mind to do so, notwithstanding my anxiety to follow on after 
my home letters. But as a knowledge of the language or good company 
in traveling this country is essential, I have made a virtue of necessity 
by accepting their kind invitation and now I hope that on my arrival at 
Bogota General Harrison will be ready to receive me in his own house. 

A variety of circumstances have compelled John Glen to delay his 
jaunt, one of which was waiting the arrival of over 150 tons of goods from 
Jamaica, which he had contracted to deliver in Honda, those goods are 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 473 

now all shipped in four boats ; the last one starts to-morrow. The owners, 
two fine youn;^ men of Bogota are to leave at the same time in one small 
covered boat; Mr. Glen, myself and Don Cato in another. At Mompo, 
200 miles above this, our canoes are to be exchanged for a Champfin, a 
sort of scow, then the two parties are to unite in one mess for the rest of 
the rout. I anticipate pleasure and information from the society of my 
fellow travelers. The names of the two Colombians are Don Puis the 5th 
Roxas, and Don Antonio Libre, both very gentlemanly, of the first and 
richest families in Bogota. The Uncle of the latter passed through this 
place about a month since for the same destination, accompanied by a very 
beautiful, fair skinned, delicate wife and three young clrildrcn. They 
were obliged to stop for a short time at each village on the river in order 
to ventilate the boat; and as the tolda or covered part of it is so small 
they were terribly cramped for room when under headway, there wa.s but 
little space in which to stretch their limbs; they were twelve days going 
to Mompox. 

We unencumbered bachelors expect to be in Honda before June, and 
in Bogota before you receive this. I know your anxiety to hear often 
from me, therefore if an opportunity of writing occurs on the river, shall 
send another letter as an index of my course and progress, endeavoring 
always to have letters at Carthagena for the packets. I regret the irregu- 
larity and long intervals of time between their depjirture ; that regret finds 
sympathy no doubt at home, for there is nothing like frequent communi- 
cations to allay the pangs of absence. Of the two parties concerned in 
the last sage remark, those whom I love best have no cause to complain 
if they have received all my long letters written in such a desultory man- 
ner; but I, poor moralizer, must defer the hope of knowing how you all 
are, in the ancient Dutch Beaver-town, till after reaching Bogota. The 
fear of encountering the spring rains on the river, when the flood-gates 
are opened " And oft whole sheets descend of sluicy rain," was one cause 
for consenting to remain so long; but the rain is now over, though they 
have had plenty of it up stream, as appears from the rise of water; we 
however, had only one slight shower, the first I have seen since landing 
in South America. Notwithstanding the drought, this land of perennial 
beauty yields every thing spontaneously for the wants of man. The many 
varieties ol fruits are astonishing — one species succeeds another through- 
out the year; some trees such as cocoanuts. oranges &c. are constantly 
bearing ; the fruits are generally luscious and very delicious but as perish- 
able as the melon which is constantly in the market; lettuce has been a 
standing dish at 3Ir. Glen's table ever since my first arrival. The ther- 
mometer has not varied three degrees from 8-4*^ in the shade during all 
this time, but uniformity of the climate is peculiar to ever}- country within 
the tropics. Any great difference in the atmosphere is attributable to the 
peculiar situation of the country. Bogota though some half dozen degrees 
nearer the equator than Barranquilia, is about 15 or 16 degrees cooler 
in consequence of its elevation being 8,900 feet above the sea, a circum- 
stance to my liking as I would prefer a little less warmth than we have fft 
this place. I find as little diflSculty in accommodating myself to the man- 
ners of the people, as I did to this warm climate, but am often obliged to 
smother a laugh at seeing the men embrace each oth^r at meeting after 
a short separation ; the manners however, shall form the subject of one 
epistle when I am better acquainted with the masses. 

GO 



474 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

Before leaving home I had received an impression/rom jori'?ii^s, that the 
utmost caution was necessary to guard against the noxious and venomous 
serpents of the country ; it is true there are scorpions, centipedes, tarentuhi 
and others, but their sting is not much more hurtful than of the bee. The 
Vampire too of which we have heard such dismal talcs, in these localities 
is a small bat ; it never wounds in a vital part, but dextrously nips the 
extremity of the sleeper's fingers and toes to banquet on his blood. My 
quondam fellow traveler, Diego De Castro, once afforded a bountiful supper 
to one of these iemon bats, the orifice was quite small and he never 
suffered any inconvenience from his bounty. Man, proud man need never 
fear the sting'of insects or the fangs of serpents ; they all fly on his ap- 
proach, even the dreaded tiger avoids him. The fears or ignorance of 
some travelers have exaggerated many things in relation to this quarter 
of the globe, which the selfish private interests of resident foreigners are 
prone to confirm. For my part I am all anxiety to avail myself of every 
opportunity to become au fait as to the productions and state of the 
country, it may hereafter prove of great utility. There is a singular fish 
called the rd^a, found in these waters, whose sting or bite is very poison- 
ous; several of Mr. Glen's boatmen are now on the sick-list from wounds 
inflicted, by this specimen of the finny tribe, while the men were wading 
in the water. If the proper remedy is not applied immediately, the poor 
patient sufi'ers for months before he recovers from the sting. They are 
avoided by keeping out of the mud. In consequence of these torments I 
always go out in a boat to take my bath and as a prudential measure even 
then apply the water from a calabash basin, and Cato ditto. Indeed I 
endeavor to shun all real danger, for I look upon nly success in this land 
as a thing to be desired by all our family — if I am fortunate, the anti- 
quated charm that binds our young men like an indigenous plant to live 
and die on the, soil that rears them will be broken, and a new spirit of 
enterprise will induce many of my Dutch acquaintances to break away while 
young, and seek in other countries that honorable fortune which will not 
only give comfort to their old age, but add much to the respectability of 
their name. It would gratify me much to awaken that feeling in the 
youngsters for I still am more and more sanguine of having good grounds 
for attempting it; but I must acquire more experience for myself before 
feeling competent to direct others — however I will do my best to elevate 
the fortunes of the family. If I succeed in the attempt, the innate 
satisfaction will be a sulficieut recompense for all the anxiety, trouble and 
deprivation that may attend the undertaking. 

All I'oreigners who have resided here from five to ten years are rich, 
the greater part of them came with little or no capital ; the profits on all 
kinds of foreign goods are so immensely large that riches mu.st follow 
prudent sales. John Glen has lately paid up the last of a dead loss on a 
heavy speculation in Brazil wood of S1S0,000 and still is wealthy, while at 
the same time he is now making money as fast and surer than ever. The 
freight of his four boats will amount to over 85000, they will be home 
Sgain in ten weeks; he has four others of the same size going to Honda, 
besides five or six smaller ones all constantly employed. His income 
must be immense and 1 very much doubt whether he can make up his 
mind to leave sucli profitable business to settle in cold Canada. He is 
loved, feared and respected; lives it is true in bachelor's style but ftires 
like a nabob. I mention this simply as an instance of what judicious en- 
terprise will efi^ect in a land where ignorance and improvidence so gener- 

• 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 475 

ally prevails. Although I am personally knowing to these facts, I do not 
suffer the brilliancy of nny money making scheme to dazzle me. It re- 
quires time to make me competent to undertake the accomplishment in 
this strange clime ; it is true that time may bear away the present oppor- 
tunities, but I think not at all events till another generation. 

I cannot of course say if an aijricultaral occupation would answer, but 
I am inclined to think not ; at least in this quarter of the country a de- 
pendence on the articles of home consumption would be a futile under- 
taking where nature is so beautiful; perhaps the raising of cotton, indigo, 
rice and sugar might answer, but I hope to know more after leaving 
General Harrison. The General is now expecting me, he did not wish 
to increase the size of his family while he was a guest in another gentle- 
man's house, but he said would put himself to any inconvenience for the 
sake of the son of his old friend. I think I shall like him well. 

Edward goes home again in August, I may send "some little nicknacks 
by him, he is eternally sighing for " Home, sweet home ! ". and is 
extremely sorry at having had too much pressing business on hands to 
permit his making up a grand tiger hunt for my especial gratification. 
I am sorry too, as the circumstance of having been in at the death ol' a 
tiger would have been a fine little theme for prattle in days to come. 
Poor Glen will miss my company very much, we have been almost con- 
stantly together, and /will often think oft>oth him and his noble brother, 
when far away. Don Cato (as Dr. Van Rensselaer calls him) is making 
rapid progress in the Spanish language, I think one year more will give 
him as glib a tongue as any Castilian, he has such a fine memory. Cato 
is the prince of waiters here, I have often witnessed with satisfaction the 
superiority, he is so fond of displaying, over Mr. Glen's servants whilst 
attending at the table ; he takes much pride in making himself useful. 
I myself have but little trouble in getting along in ordinary small talk. 
It is late but I must tell you of an incident which occurred to-day, which 
it will be well enough to note as an instance of the ways of the world, 
and as a record of the merited punishment of an overbearing nincompoop. 

At Carthagena I had casually been introduced to a proud young Scotch- 
man by name of Saunders, but he then thought a passing salute sufficient 
for a stranger; however some time afterwards, he came to Barranquilla to 
purchase cotton and fustic, for a vessel loading at Savinilla, which busi- 
ness detained him here some time. Immediately after his arrival, finding 
the place rather lonely, he called upon me, but I remembering his cava- 
lierness or disdainful manner at Carthagena, treated him with such a de- 
gree of coldness, that he did not repeat the call, till two dajs previous to 
the time, on which he understood I intended starting. At this visit per- 
ceiving several bunches of choice cigars on my table, which I had provided 
for use on the river, he took up one parcel containing 50, stating that I 
had more than I required, and notwithstanding my strenuous protestations 
contrary, marched off with my property, promising at the same time to 
replace them the following day. That day arrived and had almost passed 
when no cigars appearing from Saunders, I directed Cato, that if he 
happened to meet the gentleman, to give him my compliments and ask for 
them. Cato did meet him, near night fall, and to the message received 
for answer, in presence of four foreigners, viz, two British sea captains 
and two Americans that " he should tell his master from him to go to 
hell." Cato returned to nie, and was in the act of delivering the message, 
as I was then standing in front of Mr. Glen's door, when Saunders came 



476 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

riding by on horse back, and supposing he had not given his very polite 
advice publicity enough to suit his purpose, repeated to me what he had 
told Cato, in the presence of Mr. Glen's clerks and servants, several gentle- 
men were also standing there, he then spurred on his horse before I could 
reply. He knew of my intention to depart tomorrow morning, and supposed 
the diflSculty of finding him to night, would compel me to forego giving 
him that chastisement he deserved, and thus he would enjoy the reputa- 
tion of having (without risk) insulted a Yankee ! ! But unfortunately 
for liim, I learned at dinner that he was to attend a ball, in the lower part 
of the street. Our dinner, which we never commenced till candle light, 
being over, I took one of the clerks, who had heard what occurred be- 
tween us, along with me and walked very leisurely down to the ball room 
and beckoned Saunders out to the doors. He then had the meanness to 
declare he had meant nothing by what he had said. But when I told him 
he had acted like a puppy, and that I could expect no other language than 
an apology from a puppy, his Scotch imflammable temper or spunk arose 
and he threw himsell' in a scientific pugilistic attitude, and boldly de- 
manded what I meant. A slap with the flat of my hand against the chaps 
or mouth, gave bim a hint of my meaning, and brought the whole ball 
room out to see the fracas; among the rest I had the satisfaction of seeing 
the two British Captains. In the meantime, the wary Scot was preparing 
to return the compliment whefi I gave him one of Jim Sanford's settlers 
on the jwlatoe trap, and he reeled back in the arms of one of the alcdldes 
or justice of peace, who came out with drawn swords at the commencement 
of the affray, while another alcaldi made a prisoner of me. However, 
Edward Glen, who had received some intimation of what was going on, 
happened to come along and at his opportune interference in my behalf, 
I was immediately released and returned home, have since heard nothing 
of Saunders. Yours very truly, 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. R. Van Rensselaer. 



CHAPTER XXin. 
South American Letters Continued. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 

Dear Father, Mompox, May 13, 1829. 

In accordance with the promise made in my last from Barranquilla, I 
take advantage of the delay of our boats at this place to write you again. 
A person engaged in business is neither master of his own time or motions, 
he must be governed by the exigencies of the moment, and those design- 
ing to travel in company with business men must have the patience of 
the sainted Job to endure all the changes and postponements incident to 
the projected excursions. My patience has been pretty well tried, at all 
events by the unavoidable delays of the Glens; every detention, after the 



Legacy of HtsxoRicAL Gleanings. 477 

hope of receiving letters from lionie at Barranquillahad vanished, was an 
aggravating addition to my redundant stock of disappointment, and if I 
had not been an old hand at stowing away tliat kind of Inggage it might 
have lumbered me up too much. When liowever, I fuund myself em- 
barked with Edward and Cato early on the morning of the 4th, after bid- 
ding adios to our Barranquilla friends and sailing up the great River 
Magdalena, much of that cumbersome luggage was pitched overboard. 
John Glen being, at the last moment detained by more urgent business at 
home was a disappointment and my parting with that noble minded man 
was not without a " tearful eye," and now as I am about leaving him. it 
may be proper to bestow a few words to his good name. He came to this 
country in 1809 — some 20 years since — for a long time he acted as a clerk, 
in a house at Carthagena, after which he removed to liarranquilla, where 
he opened a commission store, receiving for his share, the pitiful allowance, 
half of five per cent. He was in Caraccas in 1812 when that splendid 
city was destroyed by an earthquake, 12,000 were killed, and he narrowly 
escaped the same fate. Hearing the subterraneous rumbling noise which 
was followed by a slight tremor and then a violent rocking, shaking or 
heaving of the earth, he attempted to leave the house. lie soon lay 
crushed under a heavy door way frame from which he was extricated by 
his black servant, but was insensible for a long time and only with great 
care was restored to life and health. But perseverance, industry and 
economy crowned his efforts with great success, and he was blest with a 
moderate share of wealth, and what was more with a good reputation. He 
opened a correspondence with the Jamaica merchants, and greater wealth 
followed his increased business. But reverses occurred, and several times 
he lost his all, but never in his greatest distress did his credit forsake him. 
His island correspondents always had such implicitfaith in his honor, that 
they never closed their books against him, on the contrary with every op- 
portunity they were sure to forward him a fresh assortment of goods ; and 
through them he *lias always been enabled to battle through every reverse. 
It is but lately that he paid them the last of dead losses — of over §100, 
000, and still he is a rich man ; he never had more substantial property. 
Notwithstanding his extensive business, he has been of great service to 
his adopted country, having been personally engaged under Gen. Montillo 
in campaigning against the Spaniards and royalists. He was at the taking 
and burning of the village of the Cienega, and at the re-capture of Santa- 
War.tha from the Spaniards. During the seige of Carthagena when the 
inhabitants were in the most extreme distress for want of provisions, he 
made a handsome fortune, by running into the port, through the Spanish 
blockading squadron, with a vessel laden with flour and other provisions. 
In one of his many adventures, he was captured and sent to Porto Bello 
(one of the chief towns close to the sea on the declivity of a mountain 
■which encloses the whole anchorage, and is also called Fine Harbor) in 
chains, where he remained a long time. His many services have been 
justly rewarded by government, in the exclusive right of export from the 
port of Savinilla, which he enjoyed for some time. He now owns some 
six or eight of the very finest and largest transportation boats on the Mag- 
dalena, and his " bo(/as," or boatmen enjoy the best reputation of any on 
the river. He employs about 100 bogas ; the most of whom are heads of 
families; when he first came here, they were a wild, uncivilized set, with 
little or no care, or consideration about them, scarcely having a hut to 
shelter them. However by his upright example and advice — this worthy 



478 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

scion of Quarter Master Genl. John Glen (his grandfather, of Revo- 
lutiouury reuown), taught them to economize, and now they all have 
good houses, dress well, while they, as well as their wives and children, 
always look neat. Indeed John Glen is justly regarded as the patriarch 
of the village. He is respected by every body ; for my part, his disin- 
terested and hospitable conduct has so endeared him to me, that I for one 
will not soon forget. Edward is the manager of his brother's heavy busi- 
ness and has been the means of throwing much information in my way. 
At their repeated solicitations I remained and could have but little delicacy 
in so doinj^ for they both made me feel perfectly at home. At my request 
he gave Cato plenty of work on the plantation, while I would write lor 
him or occasionally weigh wood or cotton, Cato was really becoming 
every day more useful, but when there was nothing better to do we would 
go out gunning ; and many is the fine meal we have brought home of ducks, 
turkeys and snipes. 

Now after this long digression let us return. Our boat was one of about 
five tons burthen, her usual complement of men was two with the patron 
or captain ; but on this occasion we took with us two extra bogadors or 
rowers who intend taking the large boats which have preceded us at Mom- 
pox. Our progress of course with these extra hands was proportionably 
great. The stern of our boat was very nicely protected from sun and rain 
by a covering of palm leaves called a tdlda, under which we placed our- 
selves on some boxes of merchandise which Glen carried with him on spec- 
ulation. The front part, comprising two thirds of the boat's length, was 
boarded over for the accommodation of the bogas ; there they worked to a 
never failing humming tune with their long 2^f<^l^i^icas or setting poles. 
These palaucas are made of a smooth, straight, light stick from 12 to 18 
feet in length, with a crotch or cross of the iignum-vitae wood, inserted 
in the end, to prevent their sinking too deep in the mud. The other end 
is applied with all the strength of the owner, to his naked breast, when 
running with a quick short step (in which when more th^ one is employed 
they invariably keep time) from the bows towards the stern, propels the 
boat along ([uite rapidly. As the channel of the river is too deep to admit 
the palancas reaching bottom, the boat is obliged to keep close to the bank, 
let it wind ever so much, in order that the bogas may avail themselves of 
it as a setting place for their poles. But as they are all compelled to work 
on one side of the boat, so as not to interfere with one another, they divide 
themselves in two parties. The division which has reached the stern, 
withdrawing their poles always from the water, and raising them high 
enough to allow the division who are giving the boat headway, room to 
pass under, and so on alternately. The Patrdn's station of course is in 
the stern. 

At nine o'clock Cato who had been assigned to attend to the duties of 
the essential and truly honorable department of Cookery, gave word that 
all was completed and breakfast ready. The welcome news immediately 
brou"ht our boat to an anchor or rather to a fast against the bank and 
the preparations for gormandizing were forthwith made. Edward's cofl'ee 
cups, sugar bowl, plates &c. were out on deck in a jiffy : but conceive 
my horror, when the cover was removed from Cato's smoking pot, to per- 
ceive the never-to-be-forgotten mess of San Cocho. However an outrage- 
ous appetite conquered my antipathy and I made a prodigious fine meal, 
nor did the sight of that standing dish of our voyage afterwards give rise 
to any scruples against eating, 1 found I could do my share. Sometimes 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 479 

iu place of coifeo, Cato gives us very fine Chocolate for our breakfast. 
The natives pound the dried and roasted berry or seed of the cocoa tree 
into a paste, which with a sufficient quantity of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon 
and sometimes a little flour is then ready ibr another process. The oil 
of the kernel affords adhesive matter enough to keep the ingredients to- 
gether; after being thoroughly mixed, it is kneaded into small balls or 
cakes of a re(iuisite size for one cup, after which the slightest degree of 
boiling renders it fit for use. To have it sujierlatively fine, he would boil 
the cakes in milk instead of water, but that luxury is not always to be 
commanded, only occasionally can we procure milk at the villages as the 
calves are permitted to consume all the milk of their dams. 

One morning Kdward went ashore at a village to deliver a letter from 
his bookkeeper Diego De Castro to his mother ; shortly after his return 
on board, Mrs. De Castro's servant appeared with a fine large fish, a 
roasted fowl, a baked rice pudding which with some wine gave us a 
sumptuous banquet. The river water was so muddy as to be unpalatable 
without a little alum to clarify it, owing to the loose nature of the soil 
through which the river flows causing the banks constantly to cave in, 
also is frequently dangerous for the passing boats. Near one of the vil- 
lages a spot was pointed out to me as liaving once been an Indian burying 
place ; the ra])id current had washed away the bank, uncovering and 
displaying to view the many mouldering bones, with cooking utensils and 
war implements. These are being gradually loosened from the place in 
which they had rested many ages in peace, but now through the changes 
of time tumbling into the turbulent Magdalena and hurried oft' to the wide 
ocean. 

It is the fashion among travelers in this country to sleep under their tohlas 
whether in or far from villages or huts. These bnrsi are made of a gauze- 
like material in the shape of a tent, the length and breadth to suit the 
owner, about five or six feet high ; it is fastened up by means of a cord 
attached to the upper part of the boat between two stakes. I'here stretched 
out at length on his mat, the balmy air soon lulls his senses into for^etful- 
ness ; then the maddened trumpet, of that blood-thirsty foe of his comfort — 
the musquito — sounds without like the strain of aerial music to the ear of 
the dreaming and secure sleeper. But if he is aroused by the midnight 
shower (as happened to us in one of the five nights we encamped out in 
coming up the river) against which the open texture of his toldo is no 
protection, the blanket then thrown over the tent protects him over head, 
but not from the running water below. Let the ducking, however reach him 
as it may, the efl'ect here is nothing, five minutes of the morning sun dries his 
clothes and the rain storm is forgotten. To encamp out in the changeable 
climate of my native land, would be to me in the strong and healthy state 
I now enjoy an acceptable incident for its novelty, though prudence might 
assign a house as a more healthful dormitory. Here however, the con- 
fined air of a house could almost render every eff^ort to sleep nugatory, whilst 
the refreshing night breeze, stealing through the minute meshes of the 
mosquito bars, cools after a sultry day the oppressive heat of the body and 
makes the spirit forget in healthy slumber all its real or imaginary ills. 
AVe were glad whenever the sea breeze overtook us for then the toilsome 
palancas were dropped and the sail spread to the "favoring gale," which 
gave us an opportunity of crawling out from our lurking hole to see the 
country. But on " what side soever I turn my eyes I beheld" nothing 
but a verdant level country, the dark woods, the turbid stream moving 



480 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

smoothly beneath us; occasionally a rosa would peep out from thesombre 
forest like a sunbeam from the stormy sky, but they like angel visits were 
"few and far between," it was a wearisome monotony. We stopped one 
night at a village on the East side of the riv^ at a Roza, it was dark 
when we lauded, and a large flock of yelping curs gave notice of our ap- 
proach, but we made' good our resting place in spite of their teeth. The 
unceasing din of the myriads musquitoes which kept the air alive made us 
anxious to escape their sting accordingly we pitched our tents between 
the dog kennel and hogsty on one side and a hen roost on the other, with- 
out even noticing our dangerous quarters. In the course of the night a 
most intolerable itching, gave us notice that the uninvited prying flea, had 
got through under our mats ; whilst the messengers from the hen-roost 
had got through in every direction and were making free, not only with our 
bed but with our blood. However a good bath in the morning and a 
frequent repetition soon relieved us of the annoyance ; and we were more 
select in our lodgings for the future as you may suppose. 

Punta Gorda was a neat village in view; it, as its name indicates, is a 
fine rich 'point without a great many houses. Penon Bajo comes next in ' 
order, it is a fine large place delightfully and romantically situated on a 
nice clean plain ; from it is shipped a great quantity of fustic (a species of 
wood used in dyeing yellow). Glen has an agetit here to procure that 
article for him. The name it bears, is applied by the bogas to all convex 
angles at the turns in the river, or to any point jutting out in the stream ; 
these points orpeno«s the poor fellows have much labor and difiiculty in 
doubling; for the current running at the rate of three or four miles an 
hour, comes sweeping along with such force and being so suddenly im- 
peded, forms a raging remolino or whirlpool against which it is so hard to 
contend to pass and through which, nothing but the most consummate skill 
and united efforts on part of the Bogadors would succeed. If the bow is 
by accident kept too far out, or if the boat has not enough headway, she 
is struck by the vortex and carried out in the stream, when the paddles 
must be resorted to, that the shore may be gained where the same trouble 
still awaits you. The bogas would always make use of a tow rope if the 
nature of the bank would admit it, but that is seldom practicable, as the 
bank by the constant I'riction of the water is continually undermining. 
They likewise are generally too high, perpendicular and so covered with 
vines and briers that a landing cannot be efi"ected. These boatmen, how- 
ever, are so skillful that they never lose their course unless a pole breaks, 
or a sunken snag drives the boat from the shore. 

Occasionally we stopped at the Sugar rosas for the newly expressed 
juice of the sugar cane. I found the banks of the river were gradually 
increasing in height as we advanced, and whenever we landed had reason 
to admire the. apparent fertility of the soil, it as yet, all appeared to be of 
an alluvial nature ; the trees were very large in the branches of which 
sported many a drove of playful Monkeys. Don Cato was particularly 
pleased with the antic tricks of the various species, along the banks of the 
river, their long tails wound around the branch, chattering with noisy 
mirth, or grinning with a hideousness that gave us a good view of their 
formidable teeth. The beautiful JMacaws, belonging to the parrot family, 
came in for a full share of our admiration, with their most brilliant colors ; 
but Cato particularly admired the rich and easily worked Button-tree lands, 
of whicii such extensive tracts yet wild, are at the disposal ol" any energetic 
fearless squatter who might choose any portion of them and make his own, 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 481 

l)\j jiossesswn — nn indiqmtahh title. Wc h;id a rrlimpse of the four last 
of a drove of wild hogs that were scampering off, over a low piece of Sa- 
vanna; the boatmen called us too late to see all. These hogs are found 
in great numbers on the Magdalena, they are about the size of our " grass 
breeds" at home, though not so plump. Their legs are longer, more deli- 
cate and better adapted for running; their color is grey, their hair or 
bristles coarse and not very thick set. I had seen a captured wild hog, 
but never met them in a disorderly drove till now. 

I cannot say of this country as a traveler did of the Floridas, " that 
there are forty bushels of frogs to the acre and alligators enough in the 
waters to fence them in," but this being the season for the breeding of 
the alligator or American crocodile we passed a great many of them. I 
might say that they are as plenty as flies in the dog-days, and marrow 
enough in the musquitoes bones, hovering over their heads to fatten them. 
This might be thought by the uninformed, an exaggeration, and po.<?sibly 
bring into disrepute the hitherto indisputable verapity of all travelers' manu- 
scripts, yet I must say the numbers of alligators are unlimited. The old 
ones are from twelve to nineteen feet long, yet very timid, they always 
slide from the sunny bank into the water, at the sight of a boat before wc 
could get to them. We passed many a brood of young ones (not long from 
tlie shell, being from six to twelve inches long ;) it was amusing to see 
them huddling close against the sand bank when they heard us coming, 
and then to follow one another like a flock of young ducks into the water 
at our near approach. Pedraza or the rocky is the only and first place a 
stone is to be met with, of any size soever since the commencement of our 
voyage. On the west side of the river nearly opposite Pedraza, stand the 
two villages of old and new liarrencas, through this place runs the direct 
road from Carthagena to Bogota. 

Early next morning we reached La Travasea, a high rocky bluff", the 
perpendicular sides of which displayed strata of stone of many diff'erent 
hues and kinds ; the torrent at its base is so powerful that no boats can 
pass, and of course all arriving here are obliged to cross over to the op- 
posite side of the river ; which circumstance gives the place its name, viz. 
the ferry. After this we came to an extensive bed of genuine Oyster-shells, 
(alas for the admiring eyes of the epicure, the luscious fat morsel was not 
there) onlj/ shells, which lay imbedded in a bank of twenty-five or thirty- 
feet height, about ten feet above the level of the water. When they were 
deposited there, and how long since their native salt element receded over 
one hundred miles from them is beyond, at least my conjecture. We pur- 
chased some of the finest oranges I ever tasted, for a reiil, a Spanish coin 
in value 12 J cts. per hundred, with our other supplies at Teneriflfe which 
stands on a rolling piece of ground on the east side in the province of Santa 
Martha. During the revolution it was, for a long time, the strong hold 
of the Royalist party in this quarter, but eventually was taken, plundered 
and burnt by the Patriots in 1813. The walls yet standing prove it to 
have once been a rich and flourishing place, but the torch has so prostrated 
it, that it never has and perhaps will not for a long time to come, recover 
its pristine prosperity. 

A few Indian hovels alone have risen from the ashes of the once proud 
Teneriff'e. The walls of the Cathedral remain standing entire; from their 
extent and specimens of stucco work kc. still remaining inside, it un- 
doubtedly must have been a most splendid edifice; the fayade is designed 

Gl 



482 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

with more taste than any other building of the kind that I have seen in the 
country. Curiosity induced m^to examine very particuUirly the construc- 
tion of the niches, in which the blessed images had formerly stood in their 
pomp to receive the vows of the devotees. I observed an open communi- 
cation or channel, leading from under the spot that must have been covered 
by the pedestal of the image, through the wall to another apartment, a 
sort of speaking trumpet, by which the zealous priest has perhaps on some 
special occasions put words in the mouth of the saints, which no doubt did 
much to edify or console the wounded spirit of the devout parishioner, 
and as a sequence aid the cause of Christianity. The monastery or nun- 
nery and private buildings have not been able so effectually to resist the 
force of the conflagration and of time, their scattered fragments mark the 
ground in every direction. 

The Indian inhabitants realize something from sale of the crotches of 
of the lignum-vitse tree to the bogadors ; they always keep a large quantity 
on hand, and all boats passing by, stop to replace those lost from their 
vessels by a new supply. The only cultivated patches we notice are in 
the immediate vicinity of the little villages ; the intervals between them 
are the great Savannas which are covered with a long coarse grass re- 
sembling cornstalks in height and appearance, they are entirely destitute 
of trees yet their rich and verdant clothing relieves the monotony of the 
scene J they are never visited except by the innumerable wild game that 
flock to these sunny plains for nutriment. I had a wild goose chase on 
one of these Savannas which I never wanted to repeat. In passing one 
of them, we saw a very large flock of great birds about the size of a com- 
mon goose, sitting on some trees, on the further side, about a furlong (J 
of a mile) off, and as our provisions were getting rather low it was deter- 
mined that I should land to get a shot at them, accordingly I started to 
secure some game for our dinner. I found much difliculty in making my 
way through the luxuriant grass, which in its growth had fallen, by its 
own weight creating an endless mat of great thickness on the ground, and 
then again rising to the height of six or eight feet, making an almost im- 
passible barrier to pedestrians. I succeeded, however, in passing through 
to the woods, but as I advanced this flock of birds, containing at least 
one thousand, flew from tree to tree leading me a great distance from my 
place of entrance and at length by their all flying off in a body I lost my 
shot. That was not all, for I found I had lost ijit/ self, however, by taking 
an observation of .the sun, I again found my way back to the river but 
far from the boat, which I could not see on account of the height of the 
reeds ; and there I stood completely exhausted with the perspiration roll- 
ing off me in rivulets from my exertions, while the raging hot meridian 
sun poured foi-th his burning rays on my unsheltered, trembling frame, 
with the most unrelenting rigor. No boat was in sight and I had ample 
time for reflection on the unpleasantness of my situation, but at length 
the bogas heard my hail, and I had the pleasure of hearing their re- 
sponse ; shortly after to my great delight the boat came along from below, 
but we had no fat goose for dinner. The next morning we landed at a 
rosa and I shot two small turkeys with which Cato made a fine soup, 
they proved a timely supply as our meats were all consumed. We ran by 
St. Fernando with other places and at night were hailed by the guard in 
the outskirts of JJumpox with " Quien viva" (who lives) ; our patron 
answered *' Colombiauos," when we were ordered ashore and detained ac- 
cording to custom till morning. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 483 

We saw twenty-four towns and villaE^cs from the river, between Barran- 
(juilla and Mompox, they are from two to ten leagues apart; the land is 
extremely fertile, and well timbered except in the immediate vicinity of those 
towns, where a few of the industrious ones have plantations to supply their 
more indolent fellow bein<^s with bananas, yams, juca and other esculents. 
The black cattle, the principle source of wealth range through the woods 
andsavannas, where nature supplies them with neverfailing and abundant 
crops of grass resembling cornstalks. The owners take no other trouble with 
them, than to make a general collection once ayear, for the purpose of marking 
the calves and securing such as they intend for slaughtering or market ; 
but notwithstanding the uninterrupted growth, early maturity and 
onsequently little trouble of rearing cattle, the price is as high as at 
Mtme. Flour is prepared about one hundred miles above this, but for 
vant of good mills, is black tiiough sweet. The United States flour 
always has the preference in market, but the scarcity is so great here 
and on the sea coast that it readily brings 845 per barrel now, it is 
never less here than 816. These facts I can assure you, do not tend in 
the least to destroy my fondest hopes ; time and experience will show 
me their reality or falsity. 

Edward took the place of his brother as far as this, whence he 
returned home in a few days, whilst I for the convenience of plenty of 
room and a large deck for promenada, am tomorrow to shift my baggage 
and cooking establishment aboard one of the large boats which are now 
here, and which in my last I spoke of as having left previous to us. 
I shall go with the large vessel as far as Nare — about 400 miles — the 
remaining 2U0 miles, (to Honda) of the river being full of rapids, I 
shall for the sake of expedition and to avoid too much tediousne.ss, take a 
very small boat and push on with all speed. My provisions, letters and 
every thing that is required is being prepared, and all will be ready before 
the boats are dispatched, which is a bothersome job from the variety of 
obstructions thrown in the way of commerce by the Laws of the Country ; 
it requires a long time among these dilatory officials to procure passports 
&c. Don Antonio Libre joins his uncle, aunt and family here, I of course 
did not wish to attach myself to his party when I heard of that arrange- 
ment, but will probably be in Bogota a month before them. I have an 
itinerary attached to my journal of the places through and by which I 
passed — but an enumeration of these Spanish and Indian names, cannot 
be at all interesting to the reader, I therefore leave the journal to tell you 
at some future day of all the cities, villages or hamlets, its writer may see, 
as also many other minor things that escape my mind when scribbling off 
my unpremeditated letters. The guard who put a veto on our landing at 
night, is one of the appendages of the Custom House stationed here to 
prevent smuggling. It being nine oclock we found the three boats' (dis- 
patched by Glen from Barranquilla with merchandize) decks were covered 
with the toldos of the bogas, each man having one, and by the light of a 
brilliant moon they looked most elegantly. The following morning we 
all were permitted to depart, and entered the City about the same time, 
a large company; the bogas of all the boats to make a great display, sing- 
ing and stamping most lustily. The great arrival brought all the citizens 
out to view the sight. Edward landed immediately after touching at the 
Custom House dock, and in a short time returned with Mr. liichard R. 
Nicholson who kindly invited us to land and make his house our quarters 
during our stay which invitation was thankfully accepted. My trunk.s 



484 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

after passing the superficial examination of the Gudrda Mayor were 
carried to our new abode, we soon followed and heartily partook of a 
breakfast which was awaiting us. This being finished we called upon 
the Governor several times, but not finding him in we left our passports 
while Edward went about his business and I to see the town. 

Mompox stands on an island, forming a province by itself; it does not 
contain much breadth, having only three or four streets, but its length is 
between two and thi-ee miles. The length lies on the river, and has all 
been protected by a substantial brick wall, well cemented, of Spanish 
erection from the encroachments of the current. This, however, is suf- 
fered by the Colombians to decay ; many parts of it having, for want of a 
little precaution, been undermined and now lies in huge masses in the 
stream ; while the bank it formerly supported is by piece-meal following, 
and the houses standing on it must eventually pursue the same course. 
The part of the wall still remaining is a monument of Spanish enterprize 
and munificence ; it is a great ornament as well as useful to the place. It, 
with the strong fortifications of Carthagena and other public works give 
sufficient evidence, that if their sway was a severe one, they did not send 
all the revenues of the country to Spain, but appropriated a part to the 
permanent improvement of this land, which is more than the natives can 
boast of. There are from 8 to 12000 inhabitants, the houses generally 
built of stone with tile roofs. I think it the warmest place in Colombia. 

I have been advised since I commenced this letter, by persons who have 
experience on the river, to give up the idea of going in the large boat as 
her motions must necessarily be so slow against the numerous rapids, that 
it will be_ thrice the time in performing the journey that a sinall one 
would ; also, by so long an exposure to the extreme heat the effect 
would be to destroy my appetite and perhaps sicken me. As I have no 
very particular desire for any sort of arrangement like that, at present, I 
have followed the well meaning advice and contracted with a Don Rod- 
riguea for a boat which is to leave to morrow and land me in Honda in 
eighteen days. There is no doubt then that I will, long before you receive 
this, be with your old friend, who by the way, is at housekeeping with 
borrowed furniture, his own not having yet arrived when my informant 
left him. 

Edward succeeded in getting his boats on the return track three days 
after his arrival, and I was to have followed the next day ; but when the 
boat in which I was to have embarked, came up and all my goods and 
chattels aboard, it was discovered that the old rascally patron had con- 
cealed, with his tatters, a hole in the stern, through which the water oozed 
so fast after the boat felt the extra weight, that we would have sunk in ten 
minutes if we had proceeded. We of course refused this and demanded 
another boat, it was two days before the other made its appearance. To 
show how punctilious these officers of Government lire, particularly when 
they imagine the least tittle of their own dignity is at stake, I'll note a little 
circumstance that took place here in relation to myself. I had scarcely re- 
housed my luggage from the leaky boat, on the 15th, when Nicholson 
came and told me that the Governor had sent for me. I immediately 
dressed myself and accompanied Nicholson, Edward and the messenger. 
On the way I was given to understand by my friends that I was in effect 
a prisoner, though His Excellency had gone to work in his most polite 
manner to arrest me, by dispatching as messenger the Guarda-Maijor 
with a broad sioord instead of a common guard ; however you may suppose 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 485 

I did not feci in a very amiable humor when informed of this contre-trmps. 
1 hurried on to the official room where Nicholson gave me an introduction, 
on which the Governor told Nicholson that he was surprised he, who so 
well knew the regulations in those matters, had not called with his guest 
to pay the customary visit due from all strangers, and that he had exposed 
himself and Mr. Van R. to the penalty of the neglect, in not reporting me 
within 48 hours after my arrival (88 apiece). I replied by saying ia 
English, which language he well understood, that I for my part, was 
equally surprised at being made a prisoner on that ground, as I had made 
three unsuccessful attempts to obtain an interview with him. With which 
fact I had presumed him to have been acquainted through his secretaries, 
particularly after receiving^hrough Mr. Glen this passport handing him 
the paper. His Excellency was quite confused when he saw his own sig- 
nature (F. Aldercrutz) appended to it. After a little hesitation he as- 
sured me that it was all a mistake, that I h^d not been a prisoner, that he 
had merely sent for me, without knowing who I was, upon being told that 
an Englishman, whom he had not seen, was about leaving Mompox to go 
up the riverthat morning. Upon Nicholson (who by the way was happy 
to get rid so easily of the fine) telling the Governor that I felt .so indignant 
at the treatment, that I would probably make a representation of the case 
to the U. States Minister, he .turned round and assured me that he had 
great respect for my country and felt friendly towards my countrymen and 
hoped I did not feel hurt at the detention, repeating his regret at the mis- 
take. This Governor is a Swede, elevated, as all the principal officers here 
are, for his military services, ^o his present situation, he is very strict in 
exacting all the rules of etiquette from strangers, but on the whole is a 
fine fellow. I came off quite pleased with him. I must close as I am to 
dine with Glen at a Mr. Traverse formerly of Baltimore. 

My love to all. Yours truly. Hens. Van Rensselaer. 

Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. 

Governor Van Ness to General Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, Washington City May 14, 1829. 

I have the satisfaction to inform you that you are perfectly safe. What 
I write J know. Rut I must however, request that you will consider this 
letter, for the present, most sacredly confidential. Do not even mention 
or expose my name to your friends Genl. Van Rensselaer and Mr. Westerlo, 
as they are both, and long have been unfriendly to me, and would injure 
me whenever it should be in their power. I shall see you in a i'ew days, 
when I will give you particulars. Yours cordially, 

The Honble. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M. Albany. 0. P. Van Ness. 

Governor Cornelius P. Van Ness was at this time appointed by Presi- 
dent Jackson ministor plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to Spain. 

Hon. Edward Livingston, to Ocn. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir. New York, M^y 18, 1829. 

Your letter reached me in the back parts of Penn.sylvania some con- 
siderable time after its date, and I did not answer it until I should have 
in some efiectual manner complied with the reijuest it contained. This I 
did not do by writing to the P. M. Genl. with whom I had no personal 
acquaintance, but by an interview with the President himself in a short 
visit from which I have just returned. And 1 am Authorized to assure 
you, that no circumstiince (1 have used his own expressions) but improper 



486 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

conduct which he well knows cannot exist in your case, and which he has 
never heard charged, would induce him to deprive you of the office. He 
spoke in the highest terms of your Character and Services, and desired 
me to say, that you might be perfectly easy on the subject. I am happy 
Sir, in being able to give you so satisfactory an accountof the Commission 
with which you honored me, as well as the opportunity it affords me of 
assuring you of my high Esteem and respect, being with great regard 
. Your most obedt. Sevt. Edw. Livingston. 

Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M. Albany. 

The Citizens of Albany to the Post Master Oeneral. 
Sir, Albany May 20th, 1829. 

The undersigned CiCizens of Albany, have heard with surprise and re- 
gret, that repeated efforts have been made, to produce the removal of 
Greneral Solomon Van Rensselaer from the Office of Post Master of this 
City. 

The gallant and patriotic services of Gen. Van Rensselaer are so inti- 
mately blended«with the history of his Country, that it becomes unneces- 
sary for us to state the strong claims that he has on public gratitude. A 
Soldier who has borne forward our national Eagle triumphantly in two 
wars, ought not, and we are confident will not, be sacrificed by a generous 
government without strong and good cause. 

Since General Van Rensselaer has held the appointment of Post Master, 
the duties of the office have been discharged with ability, and with a con- 
stant regard to the public convenience. We»are confident, that if all our 
fellow Citizens could express their opinions, a great majority embracing 
the intelligence, character and wealth of the City, would unite with us in 
this just testimonial. 

It has however been urged as an objection to General Van Rensselaer, 
that he was an opponent of the present administration, and that party 
policy therefore requires his removal. This ungenerous and false allega- 
tion has chiefly induced the undersigned to make this communication. 
They well know, that during the last Presidential election. General Van 
Rensselaer accorded with them in sentiments, and was friendly to the elec- 
tion of our present distinguished Chief Magistrate. 

He felt and expressed to his friends, the delicacy of his situation as 
Post Master, and may .have been restrained by a sense of duty, from suf- 
fering any imputations to attach to him as a public officer (clothed with 
peculiar and delicate powers) by embarking as a zealous partizan in the 
controversy. On all proper occasions his sentiments and preference were 
frankly and freely avowed. 

Very respectfully your Obedient Servants, 

John Townsend, Isaiah Townsend, 

Joseph Alexander G. Y. Lansing, 
Ebenezar Baldwin, J. L. Viele, 
Herman V. Hart, Simeon De Witt, 
William James, N. F. Beck, 

Abra. G. Lansing, John R. Bleecker, 
Peter Gansevoort, Francis Bloodgood, 
R. V. De Witt, Philip S. Parker. 

The undersigned has seen the above communication and would have 
cheerfully signed it, had he uo't been restrained by th« circumstance that 



Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 487 

he is a resident of anotlicr .County. He most fully accords in the senti- 
ments and views of the signers and bears his cheerful testimony to the 
trutli of the facts therein stated. PlEKRE Van Cortlanbt. 

To the Hon. William F. Barry, Post Master General &c., Washington. 

Oen. Van Cortlandt to Oen. Van Benssdaer. 
Dear Sir, New York, Jnine 25, 1829. 

Mr. Moore the Embas.sador to South America arrived here yesterday, 
he sails IVom this port in a few days. I think it would be well for you to 
come down immediately if you wish to see him before his departure. He 
has put up at Mrs. Southards in JJroadWay, just below Grace Church. 

Yours truly. 
PiKRRE Van Cortlandt. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer Esqr, P. M. Albany. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer to Ms Wife. 
Dear Harriot, New York June 29, 1829. 

I have not seen enough of Moore to judge of him, I will know more of him 
before I leave this, but he appears to be frank and candid I could not 
expect that he would have said more than he did, nor would I have done 
and said as much about a Stranger. He mentioned that Dr. Davis, ]Major 
Davis and Gen. Van Cortlandt were my warm friends, and that he had 
heard enough about myself at Washington. That Van Buren and his 
friends might as well keep themselves quiet for they could do notliing against 
me, that Van Buren was trying to make a party of his own, but it would 
not do, that he was perfectly understood. Swarthowdt the Collector of this 
port, told me, that Van Buren had opposed his appointment, and that he 
had heard, that they. Van Buren & co — opposed me also. He has written 
on to know the facts and if any thing is necessary to be done, he will pro- 
cure for me an overwhelming petition from this city. This can easily be 
done, Geuls. Colden, Bogardus, Morton, Oakley, Hoffman, Jones, Hones, 
the Clinton family and others will go all lengths. Kiss all for me. 

Yours affectionately and Sincerely. 

Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Sol. Van^Rensselaer. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 
Dear Father, Bogota July 12, 1829. 

1 finished no 5 at Mompox sooner than I intended in order to make one 
at a Yankee dinner party, which I can assure you is a rare thing in that 
part of the world ; there were five of us together and a season of great 
enjoyment. We had the condescension to consider Edward Glen a 
Yankee pro. tempoir, which made us all birds of a feather, and enabled 
us to enjoy, with greater relish, the ham, codfisli and mince pie importa- 
tions from the United States. Our good host Mr. Traverse kindly ofl'ered 
me any books I might choose to amuse myself with in going up the river. 
I soon selected about a score — Scotts, Coopers, Ficldings and Irving's 
works — which he sent to my lodgings, the reperusal of them I found 
very pleasant. After a delay at Mompox, I'rom May 11th, 1 got under 
weigh in reality on the 17th, and was quite satisfied with fair ))romises 
of a speedy trip. It would have been quite laughable to a disinterested 
person, understanding our individual feelings to have witnessed the part- 
ing between Edward and mysuU'; but to have felt the herculean grasp of our 
hands, and to have contrasted that with the stoical indifference with which 



488 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

our adieus were pronounced ; he would, no doubt have given us due credit 
for our philosophy. The scene recalled a similar one to mind, that oc- 
curred between a gallant old friend at home and myself, but never mind, 
let those who enjoy a laugh at such heart trials, grin like monkeys : I 
always recover my humor in admiring their wisdom ox folly ^ as it may be. 
My boat, for the sake of expedition, was one of the smallest used on the 
river by travelers; it was manned by the patron and two bogaddrs, just 
large enough to accommodate us all, and nothing to spare. 

To give you an idea of the progress of large boats, I will mention that 
I passed about half way between Mompox and Honda 621 miles apart, 
three champans with merchandise having a collective crew of sixty men, 
which had cleared two months previous from the former place. Their 
dilatoriness is owing to' the uncommonly late rising of the river. Each 
man receives his S14 per trip ; their work is so very laborious that they 
are allowed the privilege of recruiting their enervated bodies by remain- 
ing a certain number of days at specified places. My patron and bogadors, 
all Indians, had made this trip so often, and knowing now all the stopping 
sites as well as stage horses, I had the utmost difiiculty to prevent their 
visiting the old haunts. Still, however, in spitie of all my eflPorts, they 
did manage to stop three diflFerent times by falling desperately sick, but 
that sickness always left them by the next morning, when they would go 
on again with new vigor for a few more days. We had passed, two days 
after leaving Penon, the three boats of theGrlenson the same destination with 
us, in one of which I had expected to have continued my journey. 
Many of the crew who had . so frequently seen me during my stay in 
Barranquilla, expressed pleasure at our meeting and regret at parting 
with a friend of their employer's house. I left them after finding that 
all was going on well ; they looked really so sorrowful, that I could not 
but pity and sympathize with them. Some of the number, though of a 
" lowly condition " were genuine worthy fellows, who had for years, 
many years been truly faithful to their masters. Edward had stood as 
Compadre or protector at his marriage. I was, however, thankful not to 
have been so long detained even with the advantages of more space in 
these larger boats. 

The palm leaf toldo — impenetrable to heat or rain, was scarcely high 
enough to admit of my sitting upright, but then my baggage was so 
arranged that I could recline back upon it partly in a sitting, partly in a 
lying posture Or extended full length in the bottom of the boat, with my 
mat underneath engaged in reading or writing or my Spanish studies. 
As the boga in front (assisted ever and anon by Cato), required all the 
space between my toldo and the prow, equipped with his light pole, rounded 
slightly, resting against his naked breast as with the old boatmen of the 
Mississippi, engaged in propelling the vessel, and as the cooking utensils, 
boga's baggage, &c., lumbered up all the vacancy in the stern — I of course 
was obliged to remain constantly housed while under headway. This 
would have been a matter of choice, in the heat of the day, when the 
thermometer ranges over 100°, but the confinement was quite irksome in 
the fine mornings and evenings. At the commencement I found the 
movement of the little champAn very uncomfortable; its diminutive size, 
so essential to speed, was against its stability ; every motion of the boat- 
men would make her roll so much, that it was long before I could accustom 
myself to the motion. It was a day or so too, before I could abstract my 
attention from the stamping, jarring footsteps so immediately overhead, 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 489 

on top of the toldo ; this together with the constant, unvaried chant, at 
first an intolerable nuisance, soon became unnoticed, habit is every thing, 
and could receive as much pleasure in the perusal of an entertaining book 
as ever, for you know my disposition is generally hap])y in accommodat- 
ing itself to every situation and inconvenience. The first night we only 
succeeded in reaching the romantic little Indian hamlet of Minchiqueo, 
two leagues from Mompox in the same province. I directed my "Snow 
Ball " (as Uncle Peter calls Cato) to take my bedding, &c., ashore and 
I rejoiced in an opportunity once more of perambulating after my close 
confinement in the small boat. 

The gloomy, wild, impenetrable forest, inclosing on the three sides the 
little plot of ten or fifteen acres of cleared ground on which the hamlet 
stands, gives undisturbed shelter to the hordes of large red monkeys, 
whose growl, at this hour, so much resembling the distant roar of lions ; 
together with the occasional peculiar cry of the hoarse noted mcicaivs, as 
flitting overhead in pairs and exposing to view, in the last rays of the 
dipping sun, the gaudiness of their dress they wend to their nightly re- 
treat, were the only interruptions to the serenity of the scene. I had 
often admired the beauty of this bird, but here was a new variety ; many 
a pair with deep scarlet plumage passed over among the green, blue and 
parti-colored ones. I had never before seen this species and was " smitten 
at first sight," a thing Memory says is no novelty to a susceptive youth 
as myself. It is the invariable habit of the (jxinycaindyn to take this twi- 
light flight, as is the case with all birds of the genus, belonging to the 
parrot family, from this the chief of the tribe down to the twittering 
little pdroquet and they tend not a little to enhance the beauty of the de- 
lightful evenings of this tropical climate. These birds have their nests 
in high hollow trees and subsist on the grains and luscious fruits. Upon 
returning from my walk, I found Onto had spread my mat under a cluster 
of Orange trees, with the tolda hanging over it, lashed to the trunks of 
two others of the same kind. I of course applauded his taste in selecting 
so fragrant a spot; for the trees though loaded with fruit in every stage, 
had still plenty of aromatic blossoms left to fill the air with " balmy 
sweets," and I anticipated the delectable sleep I subsequently enjoyed in 
so odoriferous a resting place. The orange is not the only fruit flourish- 
ing here, for in the intervals between the scattering huts, sported in all 
its pride and lofty grandeur the Cocoa tree, whose long feathery leaves 
wave so gracefully to the gentle evening breeze, and whose clusters of 
fruit, so grateful to the taste, interspersed amongst those leaves, protected 
from the sun and rains by this natural umbrella, ever afford such a temp- 
tation to the hungry or thirsty gormandizer. There is another fruit here, 
now in full maturity, is of a very perishable natiire, inclosed in a rusty 
coat, having two black seeds : it is about the size of a common blue plum, 
very mellow and of an exquisite flavor, its name was given but has escaped 
me. The Bananas abound in the most thrifty style, which together with 
limes, succulent lemons, pine-apples and other tropical fruits contribute to 
form the best collection 1 had heretofore met with at any one place in the 
country. The pine-apple appears to grow best in the shade, I found it 
sheltered under the broad leaves of the banana plant ; each apple is nour- 
ished by itself, at the end of a solitary stem, rising from the centre of a 
tuft of long dagger like shaped grass ] the blade is very thick and strong, 
pointed with a thorn. 

62 



490 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

The next morning we were under headway before daylight, and the 
bogas having taken to their task with too much zeal, began to lay in their 
work towards the afternoon, and about 4 oclock came to a stop opposite a 
lonely hut. They soon commenced washing out the boat, securing their 
palancas along side, &c., their last duties at the close of a day's work. I, 
however, very soon broke in upon these, to them pleasant duties, by order- 
ing them to go on still further; but they did not like this interference of 
mine, with their avocations, at all. They told me that there was no other 
house to stop at for leagues ahead, nothing hut plai/a (the shore or strand) 
to rest upon. To all their murmurings I replied that I did not want a 
house to sleep in. I had slept on sandbars before, and insisted upon their 
moving on, which they did very reluctantly and I as reluctantly again 
embarked having a severe headache and feeling excessively .tired. But 
I deemed it best to initiate the bogas into my ways as soon as possible and 
to let them see that I would be obeyed. The rascals seeing me indisposed 
thought to punish me by keeping on quite late now they were again 
started ; and under a pretence of not being able to find a place, kept on 
past several playa (as Cato told me) till near ten oclock ; and then came 
to, along side of what had erst been an allujators hatching place in a sand 
bank. The empty and curled up egg-shells of this reptile, which were 
•strewed about in such quantities, indicated this to have really been the 
site chosen, by the female, for depositing her eggs in the sand and trusting 
to the sun's hot rays to hatch out her young ones. By this time my 
fatigue and malady had increased so much that I did not feel very par- 
ticular as to my place of lodging. Cato very quickly had the shells brushed 
away from a smooth spot and the tolda's in order for nestling under, and 
I as quickly crawled in while the lower edges of the musquito-bars were 
carefully tucked under my mat, I had previously given my black snoio- 
6aZ^ directions to call me when the moon, now in its last quarter, was in 
a line with the top of a tree which I designated ; and also how to act, in 
case that any of the cayman or alligators should pay any of us a visit, in 
the night, with the intention of making a meal of either of us; a thing 
which the negro apprehended more than anything else on the river. 

I soon fell soundly asleep, but how long I had been in that state, I cannot 
tell, I only know that when fairly awake I i'ound myself sitting upright, under 
the toldo which was visibly and violently agitated by some external agency; 
my pistols were in one hand and sword in the other. The movement of my 
toldo must, undoubtedly, have aroused me, and instinct caused me to seize 
my arms, for I distinctly recollect that surprise, at finding myself in this 
warlike attitude, was the first uumingled emotion of my waking sense. 
Then like a flash of lightning the idea of a cayman's visit came across my 
mind and simultaneously I saw, by the light of the moon just rising over 
the top of the trees, through the thin fabric of my toldo, a dark object 
crawling or moving and stoutly shaking the dark side of Cato's toldo, one 
cord of which being fastened to the same stake with my own communicated 
all its motion to both. My idea that a cayman had come for a feast was 
now fully confirmed by this dark looking busy apparition, I cocked my 
pistols but the distance and a knowledge of the cayman's toughness of hide 
determined me to change my plan of operations. I thought it the better 
plan to throw myself between the toldos and the river, then to attack the 
depredator in his retreat; for you know if I had commenced bombarding 
the enemy at too long a distance, when he was so well protected, it would 
have been more than probable that the firing would have been without 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 491 

eiTect on such a foe, then T should have not only lost my ammunition but 
peradventure my negro too. I was out of the tolda as quick as thought, 
but wishing to ascertain, before commencing the attack, after gaining my 
position, where Cato was, I called out to him. When, will you believe it 
instead of coming to me carrying his head under his arm, or his leg on 
his shoulder, he appeared without any mark of a conflict with an alligator 
and answered " Sir" as boldly and as plainly as I had ever heard him 
speak that word. A thought then struck me, but I was not yet sure and 
I soon asked " what the devil he was doing there ?" He answered that 
" the musquitoes had got under his toldo and that he had been shaking 
them out," which convinced me that he had been the dark object under 
the dark side of the toldo. I went to bed again somewhat relieved and 
ere long fast asleep but was once more awakened by the sonorous voice of 
Cato now calling out to the bogas " vayilmonos muchachoncs," " let us go 
away boys," and the moon being at the point designated, we were soon 
voyagers along the winding banks of the river. » 

At Penon, an Indian village at which we staid over night, the toldo was 
pitched under the trees in one of the main streets. During this operation 
we had plenty of spectators who came to offer to so rare a customer as a 
hldnco or white man their bdllo — Indian meal boiled in plantain leaves — 
but I purchased earthen pots for cookery to make my stock of kitchen 
furniture complete. The crew were by their bargain obliged to procure 
their own provisions and of course they had a larder of their own. On 
the sixth day after leaving Mompox, in which we had passed nine Indian 
hamlets, we reached the rather large village of Morales, early in the after- 
noon. This place is beautifully decorated by a row of thrifty cocoanut 
trees on the river's bank, from one extremity of the vill to the other, and 
is one of the regular stopping places for the hard working bogas who man 
the large boats, they require a rest of one or two days. In my light vessel 
this repose was not at all required for the bogas, but one of them landed 
here on pretence of business, and did not make his appearance till the next 
morning, for fear I would compel them to go on still further; but I did 
not leel at all vexed, for the change was as pleasant to me as to them. 

The boatmen are always paid in advance for their jobs, which makes 
them heedless of the time they consume in performing them ; owing to 
this many of the large boats are three months in accomplishing the 
voyage, wheu two should answer. Nothing seems to excite the ambition 
of these improvident creatures. In the course of my rambles, that after- 
noon, I came across two foreigners, passengers in one of the seven 
chiimpans lying before this place; they were three weeks from Mompox 
and both bound for the salt mines near Bogota. One was a Cornish 
miner, the other a Frenchman but he spoke better English than the 
Britain. They have been here detained two days beyond the allotted 
time for resting, in consequence of a row, among the crewsof the different 
boats, in which one of tlieir bogas was completely disabled and their 
patron so badly wounded by machetes that they could not go on. The 
cause of quarrel was some trivial thing, which will cause some of these 
fellows to draw their knives and set them at cutting and slashing each 
other as if tliey were chopping up pumpkins for a stall fed ox. Nor do 
they require the usual stimulants of our home bullies — rum, to set them 
at loggerheads, for they scarcely ever get drunk ; indeed abstinence from 
strong liquors is here a universal virtue — necessity rather — fur the 
climate is against the longevity of a hard drinker. Our Cornish miner, 



492 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

one of your little fellows only one inch taller than myself, Tsix feet four 
inches high) and proportionately built, had been most terribly annoyed by 
the mosquitoes ; his arms and legs, from the elbow and knee down to the 
nails of fingers and toes were nearly one continued sore, nor was his face 
or neck in a much better plight. I asked him "why he had not provided 
himself with a toldo." " Why dang it zur, I had ua till the dom bogas 
stold it o'me of a night when I was sleepin." "You are a sound 
sleeper," says I. Izz zur, I duz sleep sound, but when I wakt with their 
pullin it fra' under me and chassed them, I tumblet down, and they run 
in the booshes wi the toldo, an thats the last o' it." 

Our crew having assembled at the boat, quite early, we again started 
and on the fourth day after that came to, in the evening, at San Pablo 
where we remained next day to wash our clothes, buy provisions and to 
humor the bogas — who wished me to allow them one day for rest at this 
stopping place ^ and then they would go on to Honda without applying for 
the same favor again. Leaving Cato and the bogas cleansing their travel- 
ing clothes, I started with my gun on my shoulder, machete by my side, 
and compass in my hand to follow, in search of game and variety^ a little 
path leading into the forest, which here as at all other Indian villages 
approximates so near and encloses with its almost impenetrable wilds those 
tiny spots of human cultivation and habitation. A walk of a mile along 
this path brought me to a cleared site of some thirty acres, formerly a 
plantation, but now the free grazing ground of jackasses, goats and cows. 
The heat of the sun in this close, unsheltered place, compelled me to add 
somewhat to the speed of my loitering gait in crossing over to gain one 
of the many sylvan tracks on the other side, where I re-assumed my lei- 
surely movements. While stretching my neck, in vain, and straining my 
eyes to get a sight of the " pavo " (turkeys and wood-grouse) which at times 
resort here, could see or hear nothing save macaws, parrots, and monkeys. 
I had so frequently observed these interesting things that it seemed but 
dull sport. Whilst quenching my thirst at a "crystal stream" I was 
suddenly startled by a rustling in the underbrush at hand, and directly 
after had an indistinct glimpse of some animal running along, which, 
from its color, I supposed to be a deer. Snatching up my arms I followed 
the road he took which led me, in a very short time, to a little open vale, 
at the foot of a murmuring cascade. As soon as I broke into it from the 
woods, my ears were saluted by a stunning, shrill, unearthly s^iriek as 
piercing and uproarious a tumult as if all Bedlam had joined in a full 
chorus! Jupiter Ammon ! ! I nearly fainted, my modesty received 
such an electrical shock ! ! ! My surprise may easily be imagined when 
I discovered in the little pool below the cascade some five or six tawny 
females up to their waist in water engaged in washing their soiled clothes. 
Among the pack of dogs, that also greeted my appearance and joined in 
concert to the female yell, was one whose dun color had led me, in the 
passing glance, to mistake him for a deer. I quickly beat a retreat and 
left the Naiads wallowing in their limpid fountain and pursued my course 
houtivard, where I arrived with a stomach frtll of emptiness and legs full 
of weariness, without having shed any blood in my ramble except that of 
a pretty green snake which perished by decapitation. Quite satisfied with 
the exercise I had taken, the rest of the day was spent by me in reading 
and fishing. 

This last amusement had been resorted to in coming up the river only 
when the nature of the ground, at the resting or eating places, precluded 



i 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 493 

the possibility of walking. Many such had turned up, and then we always 
endeavored to forget the deprivation from exercise, in the pleasures of the 
ever successful angling rod. We never made use of our hook and line 
without procuring at least a dish for ourselves, and very frecjuently wo 
also hauled in enough for the bogas. The only kinds that took our bait 
were of the catfish tribe ; of tiie two species that we caught, one greatly 
resembles those of the Hudson river; the other differs from it in the flat- 
ness of its head and in the construction of its beard, which grows tho 
length of the fishes' body and from the circumstance is called bdrha by 
the boatmen. Both kinds are very plentiful, fat and in flavor excel any 
thing of the fish kind I ever tasted ; they are justly considered the best 
in the river. Some of them attain an enormous size, the largest one I 
ever saw was two feet and a half long; but have no doubt they are fre- 
quently as large, if not larger, than those of the Mississippi or the Lakes ; 
their fat is like that of mutton to the eye : the Indians boil without skin- 
ning them. There is nothing particularly interesting on the lower part 
of this river, it has a sameness that tires the traveler — a trip from one 
village to another gives a fair idea of the whole route. The village houses 
are all made of reeds and thatched with palmetto leaves ; no floors ; plenty 
of children and barking curs; all looks dirty around them for they are 
poor, filthy and noisy. The only mark.s of tillage are found in the imme- 
diate vicinity of those vills, the rest, extending as far as the vision can 
trace, is a wild luxuriant wilderness. There is seldom any high back 
scenery to relieve the eye ; the lofty mountain peaks do not approach the 
river till near Honda, at which place, the base of the vast eminence, is in 
places laved by the diminished Magdalena, while the summit rises hun- 
dreds of feet above you, clothed with flowers, shrubs and all the brilliant 
trees of this wild region. Often when our boat was at anchor, while the 
ceremony of cookinq: was going on both morning and evening, have I 
wandered over the flats that spread out from the bottom of those hills to 
admire the richness of the soil, the perpetual verdure of the forests, the 
beauty of the birds or the general stillne-ss and sublimity of the scene, to 
find myself chanting — when awakened from a revcry — in my most dulcet 
notes those expressive words of Moore, " How great indeed had been our 
bliss, H" Heav'n had but assign'd us. To live and die in scenes like this, 
With some we've left behind us." But it is impossible to impress on 
paper the strong emotions so frequently experienced during my travels in 
this beautiful country, so I will leave these romantic sports for the present. 
My gun afforded me not only plenty of sport, but was an indispensable 
implement in our very long passage. I had provided more than enough 
yams, tea, coffee &c., still my store of salt meat as also that of the bogadors 
was only calculated for a trip of eighteen or twenty days, and we soon 
found the necessity of husbanding it as much as possible. The Indian 
hamlets aff"ording nothing but fruits, rarely eggs, and never meats of any 
kind, it was indeed fortunate a remedy was ever at hand in my trusty 
fusil. It was not an uncommon thing for us to have three or four wild 
turkeys, ducks or any other large unknown birds on hand at one time, so 
you may well suppose then, that our fare was none of the worst. My 
bogas always had their share of the fine game when I had a larger supply 
than. I could preserve from decay, but when, as it sometimes happened, I 
had but a single bird for my own use they would apply to me for a ijdrza 
or crane. These could always be obtained as the river abounds with tliem, 
they are quite fat and are eaten by the bogas with much gusto; but I 



494 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

never could overcome my prejudice enough to taste them but once and 
then found them quite an agreeable addition to the impoverished con- 
tents and meagre supply of our " oHas " or earthern cooking pots. We 
also often made a short stop to allow the men an opportunity of gathering 
turtle's eggs, of which they found in some places large quantities. 

The turkeys, like all other forest birds here, are tough but very sweet 
meat; the ducks assimilate much to our canvasbacks but in size and flavor 
are superior. • The unknown bird is shaped like our woodcock, but the 
body is larger than a goose ; when the skin is stripped off it appeares like 
a solid lump of fat but are good eating and very tender ; they fly in im- 
mense flocks feeding on the sand bars. On the 3rd of June I secured 
among my little crew an exalted reputation for myself as one of the med- 
ical savans. In attempting to double one of the "pewons" or points 
against which the current sets with so much force as to make it very 
difficult, the boat being driven back as frequently occui's at those places 
with such velocity against the perpendicular bank, that the Patron was 
obliged to fend off with both hands to prevent our going to pieces. In 
doing which one of his hands was stung by a snake or some other reptile. 
The subtile poison caused the wound in a short time to become very pain- 
ful, as indicated by his piteous groans and pallid hue, likewise so much 
swollen that he became greatly alarmed and stopped the boat. I could 
not discover where the fangs had entered, and was astonished to see his 
hand increase in size so rapidly; however I took the poor fellow under 
my protecting wing; and whilst I was engaged in applying a ligature below 
the elbow, above the swelling, Gato was, with all the dispatch of one who saw 
the necessity, amalgamating the only ingredients I possessed, in which I 
had any confidence, or hope of proving a beneficial unction in this forlorn 
case. A cataplasm of sugar, salt and turpentine soap was soon well 
daubed on with unsparing hand, and then to obviate the necessity of re- 
maining in the wild, cheerless spot at which we then were, I made him 
crawl under the part of the toldo appropriated to Cato, that he might 
grunt there at his leisure, whilst a boga took his place and Cato the pa- 
'lanca of the latter. Shortly after applying the soft poultice the invalid 
fancied the pain was eased, in fact the next day, on removing the band- 
ages, the swelling had all disappeared. That accident was nearly the cause 
of proving a much greater one. 

Cato after giving up his berth under the tolda to the sick man had 
mounted the quarter deck with the palanca or pole in order to keep the 
boat moving that day. The little negro did great credit to his new avo- 
cation, and as long as he had " plain sailing" before him all went well, 
the little bark perhaps had never glided so swiftly through the waters as 
she did when propelled by him. But after an hour or two, iu attempting 
to double a difficult " peiion " where not only skill but great force was re- 
quisite for its accomplishment, the faithful negro who never was back- 
ward in any emergency was determined in this case to prove himself, at 
least, equal to the natives ia their proper element. But alas ! the vanity 
of ambition ! In order to give a powerful heave, in pressing his pole 
against the limb of a tree diagonally overhead, it broke and down he plumped 
into the water with its rapid current where a fifteen foot palanca could 
find no bottom. It occurred at the turn where it would be difficult. for a 
veteran swimmer to reach the trees or pendulous vines from the banks, 
over the vortex of violently whirling water where there are no soundings, for 
the stream comes rushing along with such force and then being so sud- 



Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 495 

denly impeded by these large rocks as to form a raping whirlpool. This 
portentous accident svuuld have proved fatal to the " land lubber," (as he 
knew not the art of swiuiDiiug, and the stream that was in the act of bear- 
ing him away made such a stunning noise, together with uninterrupted 
laboring cry of the bdgas, and extra motion of the boat were such coipmon 
things, at these pefidns, as by this time not olten to attract my notice,) but 
ibr the providential circumstance of my being at the mouth of the toldo 
waitin<i for a shot at a crimson spoon bill duck, which I had a few mo- 
ments before seen to alight on a point above us. While stretching out 
my neck to ascertain the precise situation of the bird, I observed the dan- 
gerous predicament oi' my darliet/. Hastily throwing my gun aside, I 
Ibrcibly snatched the pah'inca from the hand of the forward bdga, who 
with the air of one petrified, was instinctively clinging to the vines in the 
bank, to prevent the boat going back. However 1 quickly broke his hold, 
he began to swear and refused me his pole, but that was no time for cere- 
mony and at my threat of throwing him overboard, he only replied "what 
a man " and after I had, as related, taken the pole by force, he squatted 
down in the bows of the boat and looked as vacant as if nothing was going 
on, both of the bdgas were too much stupified to lend their aid. One stout 
heave on the pole, aided by the rapids, brought me near enough to the 
receding but manfully struggling negro to extend him one end of it and 
he was soon hauled aboard — while the cayman was cheated of his meal. 
Then the paddles brought the boat along side the bank and we proceeded 
as usual on our route. 

1 had seen " Snowball" splashing about in the waters of our own honnie 
Hudson some years since, he then was rescued from drowning through 
my instrumentality, and in spite of my intense anxiety at this time, I 
could not but remark, nor refrain from smiling (when the danger was 
past) at his ludicrous appearance at both times. His eyes were distended, 
and ever and anon, a spout issued from his mouth like that from the nos- 
trils of a whale. To my cheering and earnest cry of " paddle away my 
brave boy," he answered with a language something between a grunt and 
a groan ; but when I finally dragged him in the boat, he went to work 
again as if he had not been in the least jeopardy, or without' betraying 
any signs of agitation at the adventure, simply remarking that "It was 
well for him there W£re no caymans just then in waiting." " Cayman" 
is the Spanish of Alligator, in which the whole length of the river abounds. 
We had heard some report in liarranquilla of an Englishman having lost 
a son by them on this stream, which was true as 1 subsequently discovered. 

The day following these ncarli/ tragical events, we reached the little 
town of San. Bartolemo, and tarried one day; by this time the Patrda 
was fast recovering we went on our way without any more trouble. Cato 
working iu the cool parts of the day as he had previously and taking to 
the house when the heat was too intense. We again came across the 
large kind of birds after which I had a " wild goose chase" on the 
savannas below Mompox. I found them very shy, and made several vain 
attempts before I got a shot at them the first time, and then was com- 
pelled to fire at such a distance, that I only succeeded in crippling one 
out of an enormous flock, iu such a manner that it fell into the water 
about lUO yards from the shore, where it immediately was drawn under, 
by one of the greedy caymans, which had crawled trom the sunny sand 
bank at my approach. However these futile efforts made me better ac- 
quainted with their " manners and customs," and afterwards procured as 



496 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

many as I pleased, killing seven, one day, with the two barrels. They are 
larger than our goose, with a dark fleshy head and neck, plumage white, 
shaped exactly like our woodcock, and the only bird I have met with in 
this country which can be called really fat, they are tolerably good eating. 

V^e now occasionally were favored with a distant view of the Andes 
which was an agreeable relief to the eye so long accustomed to the un- 
varying sight of the luxuriancy of the plains in the level country, but as 
we approached nearer, in our progress, towards those mountains we were 
the oftener disturbed from our sleep by tremendous showers of rain. The 
bdgas were frequently wet to the skin, I therefore willingly allowed a 
stoppage in the middle of an afternoon at the little village of Nare. Thia 
place like all other villages here, stands on a spot of cleared ground barely 
large enough to contain the huts, with a cheerless forest on three sides 
and the river in front. Not many hundred yards north of it, the very 
considerable stream of the Rio Nare comes sweeping down from the mount- 
ains in the Province of Antioquia to pay its tribute to the Magdalena. I 
here laid in a stock of pine apples, plums, sugar and chocolate, and after 
leaving it we more frequently came across the Cocoa tree, from the berry 
of which we concoct our delicious chocolate. These trees are cultivated 
in regular rows and much care is bestowed upon them ; nothing is sufi"ered 
to grow under them (except the shade loving pine apple) they are kept well 
trimmed and never grow very large. The rough pods in which the 
berries are incased are a little in appearance like the fruit of the Calabosa 
which grows out of the trunk of the tree from the ground up, at irregular 
intervals and has a singular appearance. The cultivation of the fruit is 
a very profitable business and many extensive plantations are to be met 
on the upper part of the river. The most prosperous one of great extent 
is at the " Hacienda " (estate) de Palencaiio where I enjoyed a delightful 
stroll on the evening of June 14th after the excessive heat of the day 
among the cocoas, bananas, and sugar patches; being afterwards kindly 
entertained with a cup of chocolate and some " diilces " — preserves — by 
the owner, a majestic hoary headed negro and his fat but cleanly spouse. 
Their mud covered reed house is tastefully flanked on each side with four 
or five uniform huts for their slaves, while everything about them is a 
model of neatness. 

The night after this a heavy shower so completely drenched the clothes 
of the b6gas that I resolved the next morning to take advantage of the 
interval lost in drying them and in the preparations for breakfast.to ascend ■ 
a hill at the foot of which we were lying. These showers surprised us 
only at night as the sun is here too powerful to permit the clouds to collect 
in the day. I took my machete in hand but it was only with the greatest 
difficulty I succeeded in cutting my way through the wild banana, matted 
vines, briers and luxuriant plants until I came to a precipitous rock which 
crowned the summit. After a short search at the foot of the precipice I 
found a place where the ascent was practicable for an active body with 
good nerves. I made the attempt and with the aid of a friendly tree suc- 
ceeded in attaining half the height of the steep; the other ten feet was 
surmounted a la mode of a chimney-sweep through a narrow fissure of the 
rock when all my fatigue was forgotten in the magnificence of the prospect 
and the refreshing coolness of the breeze. From the little rocky table the 
termination of this height, which perhaps had never before sustained a 
man, I jerked many a pebble into the muddy water of the rapid river 
which, in its winding course rolling from amidst the hills, forms, in its 



I 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 497 

nearer approach, a peninsular the exact model of the scene from Mt, 
Holyuke on a more diminutive scale. The Mai^dalena forms its o.rhow, at 
the foot of my hill, and then winds off waterini^, in its direction of moving, 
the richly coated savannas so beautifully dressed in verdure till it is lost 
in the distance. The resemblance to my favorite scene at home, wa.s so 
striking that I forgot the toil and blisters — a consequent of accomplishing 
the ascent — and for a few agreeable moments imagination carried me to 
the society of a happy few on that bonny hill of Massachusetts. The 
delusion was soon put to flight by a " still small voice" from the pigmy 
form of Cato down on the beach 3 or 400 feet below. As the tone camo 
up along the mountain's side it seemed like distant thu«der; though his 
words could not be understood, the sound in reverberating along the craggy 
rocks seemed to have acquired a tenfold force ere it reached me. The 
cause of this untimely summons was easily r/ucsscd and I left the dizzy 
height to partake of the breakfast prepared by Cato. 

Our bogas had so much ditEculty to day — June 15 — in working against 
a current running at the rate of seven iTiiles per hour that they threw aside 
their piilaucas in despair of getting around a peiion at 5 P. M. about one 
league from their final destination. This early stoppage I took advantage 
of to ascend to the top of another hill in company with Cato. This was 
not so arduous a task as the one I had accomplished in the morning although 
it was twice the height of the other for our course was not obstructed by 
vines and briers. After passing through the woods which cover the narrow 
flats lying between' the river and the foot of the mountain, we found aa 
open but very steep road. This hill like many others seen latterly, waa 
completely devoid of trees, though thickly coated in a short growth of grass. 
From the summit the view was extensive and beautiful : on one side was 
seen the river rolling along through a fruitful valley with an occasional 
hut, or herd of cattle indicating that man was there to mar the quietude 
of the peaceful spot. On the other side was displayed to our gaze the 
wildest and most picturesque succession of peaked hills rising one over the 
other that I ever beheld, 1 was perfectly fascinated with the novelty of the 
scene. After gazing awhile we set to rolling stones down the steep de- 
clivity and in places of craggy sides, then stand to see them b6und along 
in their furious career, and listen to hear their thundering noise as it rose 
over the stillness of the evening, from their coming in contact with other 
stones, till they were broken in frjigments by the percussion from their 
precipitous descent, or lost in the distance to the sight and ear. This idle 
pastime was at length brought to a close, at our hearing music from the 
tail of a rattlesnake which lay hid under a massive stone against which 
we had both concentrated our strength to dislodge from its bed to send 
down the declivity. " A word to the wi.se" is, or ought to be enough, so 
we left the wrathful snake in undisputed possession of its stone and shortly 
after started off in direction of the beacon fire, which was blazing by the 
side of our little biirgo where we arrived long after dark. The next day 
June 16 we landed at 8 oclock A. M. opposite the Bodija (storehouses) 
de Honda, and immediately walked up a distance of one league to the city 
to deliver my letters of introduction, from the Glens, to Seiior Martin 
Avendano, who formerly was a clerk in their hou.se. On presenting the 
letters at the door I was immediately invited in, where I found the whole 
family at breakfast ; mine was ushered in, after they had finished, in hand- 
some style. Before 1 had finished, a fine looking young maa of about 30 

63 



498 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

or 35 years, whom I bad observed eating, at tbe general's table, in his 
sbirt sleeves, put on a red military jacket and cap, then with a profound 
military salute, took his departure. Thinks I, there goes a drum-major as 
proud of his livery as a peacock of his tail and then dismissed all thought 
of him. 

Having understood that Seiior A — had letters from General Harrison 
to me, who had as previously requested addressed to bis care, went with 
him after finishing my meal, to his store and found two. The General 
expressed bis pleasure at my having a servant with me, and stated that in- 
stead of an encumbrance, be would be an acquisition to him, as the servants 
here are so in competent, and after giving me some directions about his 
furniture, which by this time had all gone on ; be closed by informing me, 
who to draw on for money in case I wanted it ; that, however, was not nec- 
essary, but it all goes to show the man. After reading my letters, S^ 
Avendano suggested going to the Governor's office to show my passport, 
and take out a new one at once, as I wished to move on early the following 
morning ; accordingly we went, and who did the Governor prove to be, 
but my polite drum-major. I was greatly surprised but my equanimity 
soon returned and Governor Posada was so favorably impressed by my 
powers of aflfability that nothing could equal his civility. He sent out his 
own servant to procure the mules for me to proceed on with ; gave me a 
hammock to sleep in that night ; and afterwards when we found none 
other was to be had in Honda, he offered me the use of his own English 
saddle, without which my journey would not only have been unpleasant 
but extremely hazardous. I found Honda excessively warm, but in spite 
of the heat I rambled through every part of the earthquake battered place, 
to view the ruins of churches, convents and dwellings prostrated by the 
earth's commotions. After my stroll about town we returned home to 
dinner where I found Cato and the baggage by the Governor's orders. 
Cato remained with tbe luggage at Seiior Avendano's and 1 went to the 
Governor's that night. The only thing that occurred at Honda, to mar my 
enjoyment, was the first flying report of General Harrison's removal. Tbe 
news was not so very shocking, as the possibility of such a thing had pre- 
viously occurred to my mind ; but my greatest anxiety was — that your 
new Hickory broom might peradventure sweep too clean at your ofiice. 
On the 17th June upon crossing tbe river, after breakfast, at eight o'clock, 
I found the Governor's servant with mine awaiting my coming. The bag- 
gage was soon lashed on the backs of tbe mules, when Cato and myself 
mounted ours ; and followed by our cheering pedn (muleteer) Honda was 
quickly left behind us. , 

This road has the reputation of being one of the worst in South Ame- 
rica. We passed on the brink ofmany a giddy precipice, and up eleva- 
tions which owing to their perpendicularity appeared to our unpracticed 
eyes insurmountable, but these places are passed and repassed with but 
little difiiculty, through a zig-zag road. This has by the power of the 
mountain floods and constant travel, been worn down below tbe general 
level of tbe surrounding ground, and now resembles a farmer's ditch more 
than a grand turnpike to a large and rich Capital. Our wearisome head- 
way was made up such a road for several hours, now and then a short 
level, or a descent would occur by way of variety. Tbe description we 
had received of this road, from our English acquaintances, had made us 
expect many an adventure in tbe shape of broken bones and tumbles; but> 
the agreeable change from our boat life with the quickly acquired confi- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 499 

dence in the sure-footeJness of our patient mules, dispelled every appre- 
hension of that sort and left the uiind at ease to enjoy the ever varying 
scenery. A slip which Cato unintentionally made over the neck of his 
beast, did not in the least tend to destroy our enjoyment, only made us 
more cautious in sitting tirmly on our saddles while crossing bad places. 
At length we attained the elevation as designated on an old Spanish monu- 
ment by the side of 860 todsa (fathoms) from which the view was magni- 
ficent, a wild and most extensive spectacle. In the centre of the scene 
the River Magdalena like a silver thread was seen winding along for many 
miles on its seaward course and from it, the mountains rose to a towering 
height one above another, in every direction as far as 'the vision could 
detect them ; and in the distance became so blended with the clouds, as 
to be scarcely distinguishable. Even the spot on which we stood, though 
far above the ribbon like stream appeared when the nearer ranges were 
overlooked, and when the eye rested on the remote mountain tops, like 
the lowest spot athwart the vale. I never in my life so forcibly realized 
the insignificance of man as I did at that moment. Notwitlistanding 
fatigue, our time passed away most pleasantly and about 5 o'clock P. M. 
Guaduas in the bosom of its delightful valley opened to our view and at 
8 o'clock we had made the descent. 

After delivering my letters of introduction from Governor Posada and 
Senor Avendano to Colonel Acosta I was soon put in very comfortable 
quarters for the night. At Guadua, which is about eight leagues I'rom 
Honda, 1 met Col. Campbell the British Charge d' Afi"aires to this Country, 
and Mr. Miranda — a sou of the unfortunate Patriotic General killed by 
the Spaniards, of the same name. They both confirmed the rumor of 
General Harrison's removal by President Jackson, but that he had not as 
yet been officially iniormed of the event; I was gratified to learn from 
them, that he would not probably leave the country yet, for some months. 
I was extremely well pleased with both gentlemen, particularly with the 
urbanity and true gentility of Col. Campbell. They had been traveling 
for health and amusement; at this time had been several days in this 
charming village when I arrived, and having understood from Col. Acosta 
that there was an " Iiu/les caballero " or an English cavalier at his man- 
sion who spoke the Spanish imperfectly they at once called on and break- 
fasted with me. I gleaned many items of intelligence. The President 
of Colombia is still in Peru. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

South American Letters Continued. 

Rumor with her thousand tongues is very busy, though of course there 
is no sure dependence to be placed upon her ; she says that, the war is 
soon to be renewed, and when peace is firmly established that the great 
Republican Bolivar is to assume the royal purple ; that plan is quite openly 
talked of and doubted by none ! 

A short time since word was received of the total destruction, by fire, 
of the best frigate in the Peruvian navy ; this unlucky accident gives the 



500 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

President a decided advantage, and most probably will be the means of 
his effecting a speedy settlement with his foes in that quarter. A new 
tariff' has lately been issued also by General Bolivar from Quito, which 
imposes an additional duty at once, of $5 per bbl. on flour, it was ^3 be- 
fore ; this unwise act will make the importation of that article from the 
United States out of the question. Indeed the effect of the new tariff 
appears to be directed chiefly against the productions of the United States, 
and is widely considered a further proof of the President's ill will towards 
our republicanism. However let him run, only " give a rogue rope 
enough and he'll hang himself." The first glimpse I had of this beauti- 
ful Gauduas valley was from a height of 51G0 feet, as indicated by the 
true Spanish measure stones, it then appeared as if I could easily jerk a 
stone upon it, but it had, notwithstanding, taken us five long hours before 
we made our entrance in it. The valley in which the village stands is 
surrounded by mountains equally as high as the one over which we passed, 
and a more romantic, lovely, secluded spot never was warmed by the pun. 
If the inhabitants of the vicinity had only a tenth part of the Yankee 
enterprise, they might soon command the productions of every climate, 
but as it now is, they only have such products as grow almost spontane- 
ously. 

I took one of Col. Campbell's many useful hints, by dispatching on my 
baggage early next morning, after mj muleteer had received directions 
from the two colonels where to stop with me Having been informed by 
Col. Campbell that Gen. Harrison had been anxiously expecting me since 
he had heard from home, I finished my meal with my hospitable enter- 
tainer and his guests; then taking leave of them, jogged on after my 
other three mules, which looked at the height they had by this time at- 
tained, like so many mice beating up the side of a haystack. I followed 
up the steep mountain but it was near one o'clock ere I found them and 
lost sight of Gauduas. We met with the same kind of scenery and rough 
roads though generally better than on the previous day, though some of 
the passes were very bad, and the precipices dangerous causing giddiness, 
but the mules are so perfectly sure-footed and accustomed to the way that 
you acquire more confidence while passing the most gloomy looking pre- 
cipice on their backs than you would if depending upon your own legs. 
We consumed nearly the whole of that day in crossing over the mountain 
0^ Alto de Trigo, or height of wheat, though we saw none of that grain 
on our road. On reaching the summit of the mount we had a charming 
view of the village and valley of Velleta and passed through at 5 P. M., 
sleeping about one and a half leagues beyond at a hovel called Alto dc 
Gaseno 320 to6sa higher than the village. The. Bogota or Funza river, 
waters the valley, adding much to its beauty, but still not equal to the 
picturesque valley of Gauduas. Villeta is 3498 feet above the level of 
the sea; from this place you ascend with little or no interruption until 
you have obtained the altitude of the plain of Bogota which is 8220 feet 
above the sea. The change of atmosphere on this table-land was so great, 
that my blanket, coats and other wrappers could scarcely keep me from 
shivering. I suffered much from cold all that night, perhaps if our house 
could have afforded any edibles, I might not have felt it so sensibly, but 
I found not only that day but also the succeeding one, that a long ride 
over a rough mountainous road with an empty bread basket is not a non- 
conductor of cold. 

iVJy hammock was slung for the night in a room, around which twenty 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 501 

noisy and filthy muleteers were hucklled to<j;etlier like so many swine. 
After an uncomfortable night, in which our light slunibers were freijucntly 
disturbed by the arrival of the clamorous mule drivers with their braying 
animals, of which there were next morning about one hundred, we 
were happy when the day dawned, as it enabled us to proceed* on our 
route. After four hours ride, we were fortunate enough to procure three 
dishes of weak soup — being a compound of potatoes, cabbage, beans and 
the leg of a fowl — it was the first time we had broken our fast since 
leaving Gauduas and we were destined to have this suifice till after reach- 
ing Bogota. This mess put us in a bettor condition to resume our journey 
and I — as was my constant practice — led the van in order that 1 might 
alight occasionally, on spots where the view was particularly fine, to gaze 
on the rugged little world around me. From the lofty height of our road, 
in some places you look down upon this range of the Andes and see mount- 
ain piled on mountain with their rocky and diflScult passes; then as far 
as the eye can reach on all sides you still see other ranges who.se lofty 
eminences mingling with the clouds, are much higher than the pinnacle 
upon which you stand. Nothing can equal the wild grandeur of the 
country throuj^h which we travel on this route. To look back you can 
hardly realize having traversed over so rough a district; to gaze ahead 
you think it an impossibility to surmount the barriers before you, but 
still a road has been formed even here, over whiclj delicate ladies occa- 
sionally travel and in perfect safety. 

I met a young Virginian accompanied by his Lieutenant Guard of Col- 
ombian troops, passing each other in the most dreary part of the road. I 
should not have known him for a Countryman on account of his formid- 
able mustache, but he joyfully recognized me as " a paisiino." He hailed 
me and asked if I was a foreigner, with a variety of other questions ; stat- 
ing by way of apology for his inquisitiveness, thut he was looking out for 
a young gentleman, by name Van Rensselaer, to whom he was instructed 
to deliver a letter from (Jeneral Harrison. When I tolil him /was of that 
name, and called upon him for the letter, he dropped his Spanish tongue 
and in his own native lingo told me his name ^as Carr from Virginia, he was 
now a bearer of letters to Col. Acosta from Gen. Harrison respecting me, 
the General having a few days previous heard of my coming, requesting 
him to pay me a little attention in case he should see me on my way up. 
While my baggage was coming up, and his with some of his stragglers 
were on their way down, we stopped in a little hut at hand on that lonely 
wild of the Andes to talk of home, sweet home ! He knew many of my 
acquaintances and it was aniagreeable incident to meet this tall mustachcd, 
sociable and intelligent countryman who was well acquainted with, and had 
BO lately as two days previous parted from Gen. Harrison. Carr being 
out merely on some Government business to be absent a few days, we 
expressed a hope of meeting each other at no distant period in Bogota 
which is his permanent station. However we left each other — on the 
arrival of our respective baggage, from different directions — and pursued 
our different destinations — he for Guaduas — myself for Bogota. 

For the last 24 hours we met with many evidences of enterprize in 
this rough region, in the line of agriculture; whenever the uneveuness of 
the surface admits of it, a hut is erected, in many places even on the 
peaks of the .steep mountains and around it is seen the various productions 
of the industrious proprietor growing amidst the lofty trees of the fitrest 
in the greatest luxuriance. We met to with many familiar growths of 



502 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

our own country such as corn, onions, cabbages, potatoes, beans all in a 
fine state of cultivation, and this morning to, tor the first time in this 
country saw roses. In the afternoon I was much elated at the sight of a 
beautiful little field of wheat, about the same state of maturity as at home 
at this season ; which with a flock of sheep, geese, &c. gave the place 
such a comfortable look that I began to feel myself in a civilized country. 
Indeed for a time I fancied myself among the backwoodsmen at home. 
I find the people are enterprising, but they do not know how to direct 
their labors. They have the most miserable apologies for agricultural 
implements, of course though they may work hard, they cannot execute 
very much. To give you an idea of what can be done by a good farmer, 
I will mention, that the soil with the imperfect tillage it now receives, 
produces two crops of wheat, and three of barley. Both grains command 
in market from two and a half to five dollars per English bushel. Hor- 
ticulture is still less understood, though it receives better encouragement 
than agriculture. You would be astonished to see the poverty of the 
Market in this climate where all the productions might witb little care be 
raised. Vegetables command a very high price, and though of a good 
quality are often out of season when ofl^ered for sale. Peas and potatoes 
when nearly dead ripe are then brought to market. 

Many of our most common vegetables were never known here, till intro- 
duced by Gen. Harrisor>. When a dinner is given by any of the Diplo- 
matic Corps, he is always called upon for his vegetables : his celery, tur- 
nips, radishes, salads, &c., are the finest I ever beheld, and he says, they 
grow flister and are more easily cultivated than at home. Indeed, now as 
the General is recalled, I feel that if I had one or two more hands with 
Cato, I would really like the idea of trying the experiment of making a 
fortune on fifty acres, in my favorite way. There is much for and against 
the plan, I will give it more reflection before I decide. But to return 
from my long digression, shortly after passing this comparative level 
where things were flourishing, the steepness and difficulty of the mountain 
passes, convinced me, I was not on a road worked by the hands of Yankees. 
However this last ascent was ftot of long continuance and to our great re- 
lief my mulish cavalcade soon reached the height skirting the great plain 
of Bogota, where the rarefaction of air became so great, that I was taken 
with a very severe headache, while at the same time the guide and Cato 
were bleeding in concert at the nose. From this elevation the descent 
was gradual for better than half a league, when we came to the plain and 
shortly after to the village of Facitatiba, through which we passed and 
lodged that night (after having had a dim vie\^f the Capital afar off), at a 
dirty hovel a league and a half beyond it. 

Before reaching our inn for the night we passed several cavalcades, 
composed of riders of both sexes, whose large wide loose Roanas or sort 
of cloaks, gave a very Janciful appearance. These roanas are nothing 
more than an oblong piece of cloth with a hole in the centre for the passage 
of the head ; and when of a gaudy color, as many of them are, fluttering 
about around its owner on a swift horse, bring to mind the often described 
dress of the gay Cavalier of old Spain. These parties were coming at full 
speed from the Capital where they had been to join in the festivals of 
Corpus Christi. The meeting of so many white faces, after all the tawny 
skins I had for so long time been gazing at, together with their dashing 
style of dress and movement was quite acceptable to me. x\nother cold 
shivering night was spent in the same manner as the last, in similar com- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 503 

pany and on an empty stomach, but my headache was expelled. Leaving 
Cato to briu^^ up the rear with the batrgage I proceeded on alone to ac- 
complish the remaining; six leagues. For miles around an almo.^t dead 
level is seen, and its monotony only broken by a solitary hut unless it is 
by the broken summits of the distant hills surrounding it. A few orna- 
mental trees around dwellings meet the eye with immense herds of cattle. 
Hedges or fences would greatly improve the appearance of this country, 
but none are visible ; the divisions between fields and estates are ditches. 
The ditches are of a peculiar construction, and calculated only for this 
climate and soil. They are generally about five feet deep, divided into 
two apartments; one of which comprising nearly half of the whole is plain 
like those at home ; the other half is a continuation of square holes running 
parallel to the other. The earthen partitions of which serves to stop the 
cattle or sheep, which may have entered the first grand division ; as they 
when there, have no room to make a leap over the second barrier. This 

is a rough plan of them | ' ' ' HH The dirt of these 

ditches is always thrown up on the road and forms an embankment on each 
side which gives the road a concave form; an admirable invention for the 
retention of rain water and undoubtedly must be the cause of bad roads 
in the rainy season. However when I left the passes on the mountain 
side, I left all the mud behind me ; here I encountered no mud — but 
dust in great abundance. 

At 11 o'clock A.M. I found myself in Bogota the Capital of Colombia 
at the Ihdrto de Jai/me (Garden of James) the residence of Gen. Wm. 
H. Harrison — Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary from 
the United States of America. My reception here was by Carter 
Basset Harrison the General's son, an Attache to the Legation ; shortly 
after his Father and Mr. Tayloe, the Secretary, made their appearance 
from a visit in the City and greeted my arrival with such cordiality that 
I immediately felt at home. A little before dinner Cato with the baggage 
and my jolly, whistling, shouting muleteer came along, and all my tjiings 
were soon placed in the little room I now occupy, it had long since been 
in a state of preparation for me. Although 1 had been now almost six 
months in the country, I had not received any letters, written at home sub- 
sequent to my leaving the U. S. until my reaching Bogota. Here I was 
handed the first package dated about five months back, but notwithstand- 
ing their old age, the perusal gave me much pleasure, and the hope of 
soon getting later ones, together with the kindness and urbanity of the 
new acquaintances with whom I was now associated, made me quite as 
well contented with my new situation as I could have anticipated. I was 
soon introduced by the General and the rest of the family to the Diplo- 
matic, Military and Civilians in the Capital worth knowing. Among 
whom were M. i)e Bresson, Commissioner of France — Col. Campbell, 
Charge D' Affairs of H. B. Majesty — Col. Torrens do. of Mexico — Mr. 
Henderson H. B. M's Consul General — M. Martinez ditto of France 
&c. &c. 

It was the day after my arrival, on June 18th that General Harrison 
took me round to see the Diplomatic Corps of the difftrcnt nations. Among 
the first to whom he intntduced me was Monsieur De Bresson, whom you 
must know as son-in-law of Judge Thompson ; he was quite friendly and 
eiftertaiuing withal as Albany and my friends was the theme of our con- 
versation. 

The Duke of Montibello who is with him joined in our conversation as 



504 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

be also was quite familiar with Albany, having been there only last year. 
The British Consul General is also a very estimable gentleman, his family 
is composed of his wife and three beautiful, accomplished grown up daugh- 
ters and three smaller ones. One daughter was born on one of the pldijas 
or sand-bars of the river Magdalena five years since, at which time he had 
a son, a fine lad of fourteen years, seized and carried ofi" by an alligator; 
it was the sad work of an instant and no help could be given. With this 
family, the Duke, and M. De Bresson, Gen. Harrison is very intimate, 
indeed he is on excellent terms with all the Foreigners. 

The courteous Charge d'Aifaires of England Colonel Campbell has re- 
turned from his trip some days since, he also forms one in the General's 
: private circle. My reception by General Harrison was truly kind, it ap- 
' pears to as if the same feelings that move him were extending to his 
whole household. Mr. Tayloe is a very fine man of about thirty-two years, 
a brother to the husband of Julia Dickenson (your friend's daughter) and 
to the unhappy young Kinderhooker. He greeted my arrival with as 
much cordiality as he could a brother ; as also did Carter, the General's 
son. They live in one of the finest houses in Bogota, there is more room 
in it than he requires. The garden contains more than an acre of 
ground, well stocked with Yankee sauce, in which he takes much delight, 
and devotes a great deal of attention to it. I need not describe your old 
friend to you who know him so well, his army habits have given a blunt- 
I ness of bearing and such a thorough knowledge of human nature, that 
/ independent of his high ofl&ce, his company would be courted by all as a 
great acquisition. Of all the city belles. Consul General Henderson's three 
daughters — Misses Margaret, Mary Packer and Fanny — carry oftthepalm. 
I regreted to learn there is a coolness, if not something worse, between 
_ Consul Henderson and Col. Campbell which occurred before my arrival in 
the city. It appears that there then resided here, a very beautiful woman 
called Mrs. Inglis, her reputation was none of the best, but her powers of 
fascination were so great, as to insnare the hearts of almost every foreigner 
of the place. Col. Campbell's among the rest; they became affianced, the 
wedding day was fixed, dresses prepared, and guests invited. Henderson 
had been called upon by the Colonel, and had consented that his eldest 
daughter should officiate as bridesmaid on the occasion ; this match how- 
ever was broken off. Not a long time after, the Colonel again requested 
the attendance of Miss Henderson at the nuptials of Mrs. Inglis and Mr. 
Greenop, but her father refused alleging the dubious character of the bride 
as his apology. He stated that when he consented to her acting as such 
before, it was to the contemplated bride of the Representative of his sov- 
ereign, but that now as this woman was to marry a man of whom he knew 
nothing, and whose character perhaps could not elevate that of his intend- 
ed, he did not feel himself authorized, and could not as a father consent. 
The Colonel went off apparently satisfied but very shortly after the wed- 
ding, the objections, which Henderson had given him in confidence, to his 
daughter's serving as bridesmaid, became public, and Henderson was near 
receiving a challenge from Greenop, but the Colonel interposed and the 
matter rested, without another instance of the fallacy of the code of honor. 
It is indeed a relic of barbarous exercises which I for one do not desire to 
see in use. Henderson's refusal, however, was never forgiven and every 
opportunity was clandestinely taken to injure him. On one occa^on 
when the British government required a statistical return, in which it was 
necessary to have the clear opinion of the difi'creut merchants, Campbell 



I 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 505 

advised Henderson to call a raeefing. He did so, but 3ome of the mer- 
chants, not wishini:; to expose their invoices or circumstances to others, 
refused to attend, but offered to j^ive all the information they possessed 
privately. This was told to the Colonel Campbell and he declared him- 
self satisfied ; but in his very next dispatch home, he ^^ regretted " that 
Mr. Henderson had not acted with sufficient efficiency in the matter, to 
come at the information which was required. Tliis was done at the very 
time, when Henderson was pursuing the only course to get at it correctly : 
by writing the different merchants. 

When that dispatch was sent to England — Campbell clapped his hands 
together and swore, that if it did not ruin Henderson, he would never 
write another. In due course of time Henderson did receive a severe 
reprimand from his government in consequence of the Colonel's represent- 
ation, and when he immediately after it, ciiarged the Col. with unfairness 
and duplicity in making his report; he received for an answer an absolute 
denial of the charge. However when the Colonel's original dispatches 
were referred to, the falsehood of his denial was manifest and much con- 
trition was expressed by the Colonel. The whole line of Campbell's 
conduct towards Henderson after Mrs. Inglis's last marriage goes to prove 
his inimical feelings. He once had the absurdity to send a number of 
charges against Henderson to his government; after they were gone, ho 

gave H a list of them, requiring at the same time a refutation. When 

Henderson gent him word, that it was more easy to make charges, than to 
bring proofs, and that he was ready and capable of refuting any charge ho 
might undertake to prove. Col. C. became alarmed at the responsibility 
he had so unwittingly undertaken, and dispatched Mr. Wall, one of his 
Attaches off to Carthagena to intercept the communication — which was 
done, and that affair dropped. 

I attended two formal dinners given to all the Diplomacy in Bogota, 
one of which, at the French Commissioners was particularly grand. The 
General now discovered some symptoms of the fever and ague displaying 
themselves in my corpus (of which nearly all new comers must partake 
in a greater or less degree. 1 am now convinced the fever attacked me 
the moment I reached the altitude of this plain by those shivering ap- 
proaches). The General with the most fatherly care took me, at once, in 
his own immediate charge ; after dieting me for about a week on cathartics 
and emetics at last pronounced me convalescent, but charged me, under 
the penalty of a relapse, to let all fruit alone for some time. His directions 
were faithfully obeyed and now I am better than ever. 

The splendid rout of General Harrison on July 4th exceeded every 
thing of the kind that ever took place in Bogota. We had about fifty 
ladies comprising all the beauty of the metropolis, which en passaiif, is far 
from being eclipsed even when contrasted with our home belles. We 
also had about one hundred gentlemen, representatives of all nations. 
The Corps diplomatique and Government officers were all in Court costume. 
The National Band, which had practiced for the occasion, cheered us with 
Hail Columbia and Washington's March in fine style. The dancing com- 
menced before 4 o'clock : at 5 o'clock dinner was announced and the 
tables were filled three successive times while the utmost hilarity and 
good feeling pervaded throughout the whole entertainment. IMany ex- 
cellent toasts were given, and when the guests iiad all been feasted to 
sufficiency, and the eating and drinking over, we adjourned to the drawing 
room. 

G4 



506 Legacy of Historical Gleaioxgs. 

The large parlor, which was appropriately and tastefully decorated with 
the Stars and Stripes, the Declaration of Independence, Bust of Washing- 
ton, &c., soon resounded to the inspiriting music, accompaoied by the 
shuiBiug of the *' light fantastic toe," which was kept up with great ani- 
mation till midnight, when the Guests retired to their respective homes, 
delighted with Yankee hospitality and the urbanity of the Host. Among 
the toasts many were given in favor of Liberty; but many ambiguous 
ones were likewise given, by the officers of Government and their friends, 
which might have surprised me a little, if I had not understcod previously, 
that a change in the iorm of Government had been in the contemplation 
of many of the President's adherents from motives of interestedness. But 
none of their wishes over the wine glass, were so broadly given, as to 
create one angry feeling. 

My letters though always addressed to you, are intended for the whole 
family and I hope my request of forming a general combination to produce 
a family letter for the absent one each month will succeed and be con- 
tinued. It depends much upon General Harrison, whether I see you soon 
or not. as old Hickory's removals will cause a change, or at least a speedy 
formation of permanent plans. I have not as yet made any excursions in 
the neighborhood, but a party is now forming, of which I am to.be one, 
for a grand visit to all of the many curiosities, after that I will write again. 
In the meantime with love to all, Addios, Senor. 
Su mas humilde servidor 

Rensselaer Tan Rensselaer. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, X. Y. 

Gen. Van Cortlandt to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear Sir, Peekskill July 13, 1829. 

By the last mail I received a letter from my friend Dr. Davis whom 
you saw at Albany, and he writes to me from the City of Washington 
dated the 6th Instant : " Tell Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer he has 
nothing to fear." When I see you I will tell you more. But my present 
Advice is, to take no Notice in your behaviour of any thing that has taken 
place, to any one, and let your friends be prudent and say nothing. 

Yours Assuredly Pierre Tax Cortlandt. 

Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer Albany, X. Y. 

Dr, Davis to Gen. Van Rensselaer. 
Dear General, Washington City, 16 July 1829. 

After I left Albany I saw Maj. Moore in N. Y'ork, and spoke to 
him in behalf of your son now at Bogota. He told me if he appointed 
a private Secretary, he should have to pay him out of his own Salary; 
that he should have no use for one and therefore should not appoint one. 
I have also seen Maj. Barry since my arrival here, upon the subject we 
conversed while at Albany. I think Sir, you need apprehend no 
danger of being removed. If you are removed, there must be a change 
in the sentiments ot the President and the Post Master General in rela- 
tion to you. After I conversed with you at Albany, I was informed of 
new attempts to remove you from office. I immediately informed our 
mutual friend Genl. Van Cortlandt of it and advised him to write to the 
President in your behalf, he did so — and I have no doubt it had great 
weight. Be so good as to let me hear from you, write to me to my resi- 
dence in Hartford Kentucky, for I shall be happy to hear from you. 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 507 

Present ine kindly to Genl. Stephen Van Rensselaer. "With very great 
esteem and friedsbip Sincerely your friend 

William. M. Davis. 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Post Master Albany, 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 
Dear Father, Bogota, August 20, 1829. 

My last letter was signed, sealed and delivered on the 12th ult. to Gen- 
eral Ilarrison, by him to be forwarded to Carthagenawitbhisown dispatches. 
What with writing, riding, walking, receiving and returning visits, my time 
is nowfully and of course pleasantly occupied. The thing I regretted was, 
that so little leisure was obtained fur studying the Spanish language ; my 
necessary intercourse witli those speaking my mother tongue did not facili- 
tate Or assist me in that desideratum. However when I seized every op- 
portunity to extend my knowledge not only in the language of the black- 
eyed beauties of the Colombian Metropolis, but also their ways, manners 
and customs I found a much better gloss spread over the surface of life. 
The first thing after being seated in a house, is the offer of a lighted cigar, 
which as well as with every article then offered to a stranger by a Colom- 
bian, must never be refused under the penalty of losing caste, or lowering 
the standard of your character for gentility. Upon leaving the house, it 
with all the contents of the mansion, is declared by the owner, "at the ' 
guest's entire disposition" ! The sincerity of these declarations may be 
estimated as they deserve, when it is known that they are invariably made . 
to every one ; indeed this offer is an epitome of the Colombian character — / 
polite hut insinc(7-e. The young ladies are blest with but a small share of 
conversational powers ; their one uniform topic is, the merits of the latest 
party dance, frolic, bull-tight or horse-race. They are never suffered to 
converse with the other sex, unless in the presence of the mother, aunt, 
or some other equally trust-worthy duenna whose charms are on the wane ; 
and whose recollection of her own intrigues in early life are still vividly 
awake. With one of these custodial friends the youthful beauties attend 
the early 31ass, pay ceremonious visits, go to the bull-fight, mingle in the 
favorite waltz and with them receive their company. Their dress is very 
extravagant, and the fashion of their prevailing costume gives the wearer 
a bewitching look, particulary when walking out with their broad-brim, 
semispherical crowned beaver hats, poised on the back part of the he:id by 
the large and fancifully worked shell comb, over which last the light shawl 
is thrown to protect the face from the sun, without hiding the view. On 
occasions of traveling or wishing to remain incog, a hand or handkerchief 
is used to hide under the folds of the shawl every thing but their brilliant 
eyes. 

Sunday is the only d-iy in the week when the ladies are certainly ot 
home ; then they are decked in their best habiliments for the reception of, 
company; the evening is always devoted to the dance. Indeed Sunday is 
the grand gala day for amusements of every description; then as on Fes- 
tivals the stores are closed except retail litjuor shops. The great body of 
the people, as a general thing, are very ignorant and rigid Roman Catho- 
lics, ^i'ter the morning Mass the entire population engage in the sports 
of the time in which even the priesthood join : some to the billiard-room, 
others to the cock-pit, bull-fight or whatever diversion is on the tapis. The 
passion for gambling appears to be almost univer-sal, and is encouraged by ' 
both Government and Church. Upon occasions of great rejoicings for any 



508 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

public incident, tables are spread by Government in the great square of 
the city, where all classes and sexes are seen promiscuously engaged in- 
betting — the wealthy with their Onza or ounce, the poor with their 
qxiartillo or cent. On the anniversary of the patron Saint, of any of the 
villages, town or parish, the same scene occurs under the patronage of the 
Church as I witnessed in the case of the feast of St. Jago. When in the 
pldza appertaining to the church and convent of that Saint, the clergy 
erected large tents for the gaming tables ; also booths where refreshments 
of all kinds were to be procured. My astonishment, at seeing some of the 
" black coats " so prone to imitate servilely the notorious black-legs, was 
not a little increased upon learning the fact of their giving such facilities 
for gambling, and that the rents, derived from the temporary sheds de- 
voted to such vile purposes, were all appropriated to the Church ! ! With 
such encouragement to vice, can we even wonder at the immorality of this 
people ? There was found no great philanthropist to stand up boldly and 
deprecate this important national sin; all were powerless to resist the 
overpowering influence of stern masters, under whose iron heel they have, 
and still do, struggle in their oppressive servitude. These church feasts 
last eight dajs and nights, during which period these tents are the fash- 
ionable lounges for the loiterers of the city ; some go to play, others to 
see what is going on ; among the latter class will be found all the beauty 
of the place with their pretty faces muffled, and only the jetty sparklers 
visible. 

A party, composed of Gen. Harrison and Suite, M. De Bresson, Duke 
de Montibello and Count Zliskies — an expelled Polander — having for 
some time been formed to visit the natural bridge of Pandi, and the time 
appointed for starting having been often postponed owing to the non- 
attendance of some one of the party, it was finally resolved that July 13th 
should be the day to leave, for all who then could go, the rest to follow on as 
soon after as practicable. Accordingly Count Zliskie, Mr. Tayloe and 
servant. Carter Harrison and myself composed the cavalcade which set out 
early in the morning, of that day, from Bogota for the village of Fusuga- 
zuga. The first part of our ride was pleasant enough, but after we left 
the great plain of Bogota, and ascended to near the apex of the ridge that 
encircles it, twenty-five miles from the City and 1500 feet above its 
level, or 9720 feet above the level of the sea, with the range of hills' 
rising one above the other, and its aspect of unrivalled sublimity, we 
found a great change. Our coats and cloaks were put in requisition to 
guard against the humid, chilly eff'ect of the clouds that encountered us 
here in mid-day like a dense fog. Our descent towards the valley had 
scarcely commenced, when those clouds, which we had noticed as travel- 
ing in the same direction with ourselves, condensed over our heads, while 
descending the steepest part of the declivity, and showered down such a 
quantity of rain that we all were completely drenched. 

This part of our trip was not very enjoyable, for as we could find no 
shelter, we were exposed to the soaking shower between two and three 
hours ; the sultry heat of the narrow passes and the intolerable badness 
of the road added to our discomfort. In very many places the large stones 
that line the tortuous and extremely abrupt path, have been laid up one 
over another after the manner of the steps of a staircase, from one to the 
other of which the horses are obliged to jump. One false step would 
inf^ure the rider a hearty but undesirable thump, against some of the craggy 
projections, in the sides of those rugged and difficult places of entrance 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 609 

and exit. However our nags were such sure footed animals — with their 
short, quick step ; stuuibling, leaping, and keen looking with an instinctive 
hesitation in dangerous proximities — that no such accident occurred to 
either one of our party ; we all came hopping down from stone to stone, 
like so many frogs, one after another in perfect safety. This kind of 
traveling was a sort of amusement to us, experienced as we were on the 
other similar roads of Colombia; but I doubt not, an attempt to pass such 
pftblic ways in the United States would be considered the height of 
temerity, yet \ye enjoyed it notwithstanding the risk-toapoor rider's 
bones. We experienced however, real misery in crossing over the badly 
constructed "corduroy bridges," occasionally metwith in some of the miry 
little glens; the sticks being so far apart that the poor horses legs would 
often slip down between them over his knees in mud : my fine brute 
strained his shoulder so severely that he did not get over it in a week. 
The intervening hills prevented us from seeing the valley and village of 
Fusugazuga till within a mile or so of them. 

We had now fairly run away from the rain ; when we looked back we 
could see it pouring down apparently as fast as ever among the " cloud 
capt mountains," whilst before us the sun was shining in all his glory 
on the beautiful narrow valley decked in emerald robes of lively color. 
We still had to descend some hundreds of feet to the village, but from 
our present stand-point the view was most enchanting with the snowy 
peaked Andes varied aspects. On either side of the narrow plain the 
different ridges of mountains rose as high as the one we were about leav- 
ing ; the vale extended directly before us in a southerly course as far as 
the eye could reach, while the fleeting clouds which capped the ridges 
would occasionally, by opening, afford a momentary glimpse of the outline 
of the sparkling peaks, and among the many the Count pointed out one 
mountain with its two pe.lks as bearing an exact resemblance to a view of 
the " fork peaked, fire puflBing Vesuvius." This sight had the effect of 
making us almost forget the exercise we had passed through in our leap- 
ing course down the stone stair cased mountain side. We passed on 
rapidly after this down the remaining gradual descent; the road improved 
as we advanced towards the village, the first object in this landscape was 
the cluster of about 100 straw thatched huts for which we were bound 
and we were not sorry when we soon after arrived therewith most raven- 
ous appetites, the consequence of our eight hours exercise on horseback. 
Our baggage carriers had on the previous day hired the best house in 
the place ; the tawny landlady was preparing a meal for us, in the de- 
tached kitchen ; and after a change of garments we were seated in the 
front house discussing our ride. We came to a satisfactory conclusion, 
that to the peel of an onion, we were 3000 feet lower now. than when ten 
miles back in the morning we were on the highest part of the road. Our 
thermometer too, which pointed at 05°, told us that we were in a climate 
10° warmer than that of Bogota; but our feelings also indicated all that 
change, we did not require an instrument to convince us of that accepta- 
ble fact; I think we might have found out the exact difference in the 
same way that we measured the stair-case mountain — by guess. The 
distance between Bogota and this village is 35 miles. After demolishing 
all the provisions, with which our old landlady had so profusely decked 
our talde, our hammocks were suspended and wo soon fast asleep. 

In Bogota the cold is too severe for the use of a hammock by any 
person having a consideration for his health, but here, the " siesta " or 



510 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

nap after dinner is considered almost as great a luxury, in this salubrious 
and delightlul valley, as it is on the sultry banks of the Magdalena. At 
all events we found it so, for after turaing in, we were not released from 
the chains, in wiiich we all were locked by 3Iorpheus, till two hours after, 
when the old woman came to say it was eight o'clock aad our supper 
ready. We observed many of the tropical productions not found on the 
plain of Bogota, such as plantains, jucre, sugar-cane, lizards, snakes, &c. 
We found also plenty of game as turkeys, quails, guachichies, the mou'n- 
tain hen, a bird much like our domestic fowl in everything but its sylvan 
predilections; none of these are to be obtained in Bogota. The turkeys 
of this place are of a darker color and of a different shape from those of 
the lower countries, but about the same weight though not so tender. 
We sent home two mules loaded with game, after reserving sufficient for 
our own use. A. few days after our arrival at Fusugazuga, I found myself 
attacked by that most provoking illness of " all the ills that human flesh 
is heir to " — the Fever and Ague. The mule that went freighted to 
Bogota with game, bore also a note from Mr. Tayloe to the Greneral re- 
questing a supply of medicine for me as I had strong chills. I was in 
hopes of driving off this unwelcome visitant, by plenty of exercise, and on 
the " shivering days," was sure to be out with my guide Pedro, who had 
won in my estimation the appellation of " Hawk-Eye" — -and gun, beat- 
ing through the thick woods from morning's sun till dark. My specific 
answered for the time being, but when the exercise was ovfer, the fit 
would return, with redoubled force and compelled me at last to give up 
gunoing and take to the blankets. 

In the meantime, hearing from the City, that Gen. Harrison — M. De 
Bresson — The Duke De Montebello and Gea. Urdenata — one of the 
Secretaries of State — owing to a pressure of business could not join us 
here for the visit to the famed Natural Bridge of Pandi, as had been pre- 
viously arranged, the rest of our party, at my request went on without 
me, as by this time I did not dare to attempt it. During the two days 
of their absence I discovered that I had been spoiled by the sick bed at- 
tentions of my home friends, and at first was so provoked at the compara- 
tive apathy of these stranger attendants, that my pettishness would 
sometimes break forth, but it had the desired effect of setting the whole 
household in motion to supply my wants. Two days after their return 
from Pandi, Messrs. Tayloe and Harrison went on to Bogota, leaving the 
Count and Servant with me. The third day brought back Mr. Tayloe 
to us loaded down with Quinine, and other medicines put up for my use 
by the kind paternal hand of the General and two home letters for me. 
The first contained the laat note of my uncle Kilian P. Van Rensselaer, 
the other an announcement of his death. These letters were the second 
batch received from Albany and by them I heard of Aunt Maria M. V. 
R's marriage to Jacob S. Gleu, also of the birth of Elizabeth's daughter 
" Maria Elizabeth," this makes my second niece. The letter frum my 
good old Grandmother was a great treat in this far off' land. The Gene- 
ral's prescriptions had the desired effect, as in one week the fever had 
(disappeared and was succeeded by such a fine appetite, that after a few 
prefatory rides in the neighborhood, I found myself sufficiently strong 
to set off with a reliable guide for the Bridge. My pill-box was not 
neglected, for I took the precautionary step of swallowing a requisite 
number for a fortnight after to prevent another relapse. 

The road to the Bridge was not a rough one for the country, but, as 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 511 

may be expected in the Andes, runs over liill and dale; and so rare a 
variety is a level spot in this mountainous region, that a rural chapel with 
one or two huts situated about half way, on a flat piece of ground ot" about 
one acre's area, goes by the name of Liana Idn/o or large plain. It cer- 
tainly was a very appropriate name, as it is the largest and indeed the 
only apology for a plain on the entire route; although from all the various 
heights, an immense extent of table-land is seen in the distance and added 
much to the diversity of tJie wild scenery. The next place, through which 
we passed, lies against the side of a mountain, a scattered set of huts, the 
owners of which raise many fine cattle. There are six or seven con- 
siderable streams, on the road, over which we passed on flimsy bridges, 
without railing and quite narrow ; some are very high, and we could plainly 
see, and feel them shake under us ; however we arrived safe about 5 
oclock p. M., in Mercadillo, a hamlet of about 40 huts. Before reaching 
this we had crossed many a hill, three of which are very high and steep, 
but as the great ledges of rocks have been avoided, a zigzaij path over 
them is followed instead of a " stair-case one." Wy guide conducted me 
to a fine, cleanly looking house, facing the church square ; and while the 
dinner was being prepared, I took a luxurious, but much needed, swing 
in my hammock, which had been hung in the best room. In the morning 
at daybreak I found a cup of chocolate and a cake in readiness for me which 
was soon disposed of, after which Calistro and myself walked off about one 
and a half mile to Inkonouzo to see the Pticnfr or Bridire of I'andi. It 
seemed the longest half league I ever knew, and thought the road the 
roughest a pedestrian need wish to travel. 

The latter part of this walk is much the worst as you descend, almost 
perpendicularly down some hundred feet, into a narrow and gloomy ravine, 
but I followed after my nimble looted Indian, and the sight of this won- 
derful curiosity amply recompensed me for all my trouble. In the centre 
of this valley a fine large stream, in her unceasing course since Noah's flood, 
has worn away earth, slate and rock, about 30 feet wide and 400 deep in 
this dark and hideous looking chasm ; here the river is seen from above 
dashing along with the most irresistible and tremendous noise. For many 
miles on either side of this road to lukononzo, it cannot be cra'jsed ; but 
here Nature has formed or rather If/t a permanent bridge, which with a little 
assistance from art, has been made as safe to the pas.-^enger as the solid road. 
This natural bridge of Pandi is one immense solid slab of stone, 40 feet long 
by 20 wide; from 6 to 10 feet thick; over it lies the artificial bridge of 
the natives, with balustrades for its security. Over these balusters I hung 
in mute admiration, now convinced that the verbal and written accounts of 
its grandeur were not exaggerated in the least degree. It is the imprcssioa 
of many that the great cleft through which 8umar Paz rolls, is the result 
of an earth(ju;ike of earlier days; but after a careful examination and I did 
not stop, until I had traced every spot ever before pressed by human foot — 
I was ccnnpclled to differ. Kvery indication went to prove, in my estima- 
tion, that it had been formed by the constant friction of the water over 
the soft rock, which has sunk the bed of the bubbling stream so far below 
the general surface. Each new examination of the place confirms my 
opinion : the lower or under side of the huge slab or stone above that 
forms the upper bridge, as well as the perpendicular sides of the chasm, 
from the edge of the precipices, down as far as the eye could di^^tinguisll 
appeared as if its smoothness had been acijuircd by the action of water, 
but however it may have been formed, it is a terrific looking hole. The 



512 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

stones which form what is called the lower bridge, were no doubt in times 
long past, hurled from their primitive beds above by some convulsion of 
the earth and falling simultaneously down this narrow fissure, by striking 
against the sides have become so firmly wedged in, that nothing but gun- 
powder, or another violent commotion can loosen them. This mass of 
stone is about 60 feet below the other, from which the descent is not very 
difficult even for a young lady, ui the centre is what is called la ventdna 
the window, a triangular opening through whicl^you have a fine view of 
the gurgling stream below. And through which I sent many a weighty 
stone, then securely hanging over its edge watched the progress of these 
small rocks, bounding downward from one projection to another and 
shivered in still smaller pieces whenever they struck, so that when they 
fell into the water, they appeared like mere pebbles. Their noise there 

"was drowned amidst the thundering echoes they had awakened above 
them. This extensive crevasse is the resort not only of the nocturnal 
birds that haunt in great numbers this sombrous retreat, but of a species 

, peculiar only to such dark and secluded sites. They are of a brownish 
color, shape and size of our pigeon hawks, when disturbed in their daily 
slumbers, by the rattling of stones, they leave their solitary hiding-places in 
the gloomy recess and hover about in large flocks. The natives have an 
idea that these birds are instantly killed by an exposure to the sun ; the no-' 
tion originates in the circumstance of their frequently finding them dead 
in the road above. They have no other name, than the general one of 
Paxarasolitario. I have seen many wonderful works of art, and formations 
of Nature's ever varying hand, but never anything to equal this puente de 
JPandi, my visit to this real curiosity was highly satisfactory and I thought 
my trouble attending the excursion well repaid. I returned to the village 
for my breakfast, and then mounted my horse for Fusugazuga which I 
reached long after dark the same evening, " faint and weary " but ex- 
ceedingly pleased with my trip. 

During my absence Mr. Tayloe had received a few lines from General 
Harrison, that as Doctor Cheyne had advised, and he had no writing of 
moment for me to do, I had better remain at this place some days longer 
to recuperate. Under those circumstances I had not the least objection 
to linger in this the most delightful and salubrious of all climates I ever 
was in, though scarcely considered such precautions necessary. My late 
jaunt however convinced me that I did not possess my usual share of 
strength and vigor, but after chasing the game among the wild mountains 
for a few days 1 entirely recovered my health and am now as vigorous as 
ever. In the meantime the days were pleasantly passed in riding about 
and in gunning. We found the common people here quite as hospitable 
as any in Colombia; as an instance: in one of our hunting excursions, 
Tayloe, the Count and myself were overtaken by a violent rain storm, and 
while plodding along, on the road we met quite a pretty young girl who 
invited us to take shelter in her father's cabin. A fowl was killed for us, 
and cooked in various styles : one leg with cabbage and onions was 
converted into soup ; another was fried, the remainder with potatoes and 
other vegetables was served up as a stew. A plucked sheep skin was our 
table cloth, and the cabin floor our table, around which we gladly sat as 
well a5 we could to partake of the feast. A solitary wooden spoon was 
the only artificial implement to transfer the victuals from the dishes to 
our mouths. But by agreement, which was strictly adhered to, as soon 
as one person of our party had emptied it twice, it was conveyed to the 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 513 

next in order; so it passed and repassed till the soup had disappeared. 
We made more expeditious work with the solid part ot" the entertainment, 
fingers bciug substituted lor knives and forks enabled us to eat in concert. 
The manner and readiness with which this meal was offered, made it more 
acceptable tu us than the more sumptuous fare of formalized etiquette. 
Tayloe and the Count as well as myself were highly diverted by our novel 
repast, and after rewarding our kind host, promised as we did to call again. 
Ou the second occasion eaeh one of us, without the knowledge of the other, 
pulled out of his game-bag a spoon, knife and fork at the commencement 
of the dinner. 

With a view of seeing all the belles of Fusugazuga together, we one 
night gave a ball — it cost us four reals, 50cts, a piece or twelve reals in 
toto. The ladies came at an early hour, all looking very prim, and decked 
out as neatly and stylish as their simple means admitted. A white dress 
below, covered in part with a coarse blue woolen short-gown girdled 
around the waist, a striped straw hat on their heads, and all supported by 
pretty little naked feet was the ilia mot/ecostume of the honton. The gentle- 
men wore no coats, shirts and pantaloons were universal, except some of 
the younger spectators who were only encumbered with the shirt, and 
those still younger dispensed with both articles being in a state of nudity. 
The band composed of guitar, tipplers, rattlers, reeds and the drums 
merrily struck up, when each of the beaux very gallantly placed his hat 
at the feet of the lady he desired as partner, then immediately backing 
out in the middle of the room, without a word to her, frisked about alone, 
until the selected belle most condescendingly implies her consent to dance 
with him by placing the hat on his head again. Then the waltzing com- 
mences, with the voices of the dancers joining in concert with the players. 
These people delight in dancing, and I think would wear out two set of 
North Americans in the exercise. Between dances they refresh them- 
selves with the choice nick-nacks together with their favorite dishes, cigars, 
and country anise-seed brandy. The frolic seemed to give general satisfac- 
tion and was kept up till quite late. 

About a week after the receipt of the General's note, on the morning 
of August 9th, having dispatched a load of game and our baggage on the 
previous day, we left this peaceful valley and its kind inhabitants. Soon 
we were again re-crossing the craggy mountain and once more overtaken 
by a tremendous shower, but under the lee side of a towering tree, we 
found shelter from its greatest fury, and the alter drizzling did not last 
sufficiently long to wet our overcoats. 

This mountain appears to act as a breaker to all the clouds that gen- 
erate in the valley below : the specific gravity of these clouds is too great 
to allow them to soar through the thin air above the mountain's top, but 
driven by the wind which at this season comes constantly from the south, 
they all collect here and keep up an almost continual shower. From May 
to the first of December is the winter season, during which time we con- 
stantly expect the rain with thunder and tempestuous weather. At the 
summit of the mountain we again encountered the fog-like clouds, arrested 
in their course by the towering tops and hiding from our view the beauty 
of the surrounding landscape. 

The Count Zliskie has traveled this highway six times, but never with 
a dry coat. I was unable to assign a reason why a person not accustomed 
to the climate, should feel so uncomfortably cold when the thermometer 

65 



514 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

stands at 55°, ■which is the mean temperature at Bogota at present, when 
at home we think such a medium is " devoutly to be wished." But I now 
perceive it is all owing to the extreme thinness of the air in this elevated 
region. Flannel is an agreeable addition for comfort to my ordinary 
winter clothing. We reached home at Bogota "without the loss of a sin- 
gle man," or any accident, not one adverse adventure. The day after my 
return to the Capital I had an opportunity, for the first time of witnessing 
a " Bull-Fight'' or rather a teasing that was got up in honor of the an- 
niversary of " St. Victorina." You no doubt will be surprised at the 
idea of a saint's being honored in this brutal way and that too on Sunday ; 
but here such a parade is but a common circumstance. It was preceded 
by a grand Procession, in which about twenty images of the most costly 
description, some as large as life, were borne about on the shoulders of 
men. The Host too made its appearance, and when at the several tem- 
porary shrines erected in the Square, a halt was made for religious cere- 
monies and the devout crowd knelt in the dust. On similar occasions — 
or when the Host is carried to administer the last sacrament to the dying — 
its approach is heralded by the tinkling of the bell accompanying it. At 
which time all foreigners or such as are not sufficiently zealous in their 
respect to it, to risk the soiling of their clothes, or the ill-will of the sect 
to which it appertains — always seek refuge in a house till it has passed. 
After viewing the grand procession of St. Victorino from a balcony and 
the images had been all carried into the Cathedral our party retired and 
quickly were mounted on their horses, in order to have a nearer and better 
view of the expected pageant. Upon entering the square our little squad 
being as well mounted as any in the gay and numerous cavalcade already 
assembled there, resolved to prance around under the balconies to make 
our chdnza or jest to such of the belles, collected in them, as we might 
know. We had only passed two sides and in the act of saluting the 
Hendersons — when the cry of " El Toro.^ toro" — the bull, bull, rose from 
the excited crowd and warned us of its approach ; together with a mass 
of flying horsemen from a little street leading to the square, at the same 
time told us of the bull's vicinity. Of course we joined in full speed the 
retreating host, and when out of harm's way turned around to gaze at the 
animated spectacle. This disorderly race among the hundreds of gayly 
cloaked horsemen — Spanish cavaliers — mounted on swift horses is indeed 
a sight worth seeing, and the only one in the barbarous, ridiculous, brutal 
show. The bull came dashing along just at our heels, but finding himself 
disappointed in flooring an equestrian and that chase hopeless; he would 
ever and anon, suddenly make a bolt among a motley group of pedestrians. 
If that group evaded his fury by dodging in a friendly doorway or by 
mounting above his reach on the latticed windows, he would dash at 
another, and still another, until exhausted by his futile attempts he would 
find a halt necessary for a fresh supply of wind. 

The animal is tied at one end of a long lasso, or a line made of a raw 
hide twisted with a noose, the other end is held by a man on a fleet horse 
or fastened to the pommel of the horseman's saddle ; another fellow with 
an iron pointed goad follows after and sticks the brute to make him frac- 
tious. While passing in this way through the crowded streets, the two 
legged rash fools present themselves to him, with nothing in their hands 
but a red rag or cloak, and when the maddened beast makes a plunge at 
them, they dexterously leap on one side, still holding the rag out for the 
bull to strike. While the animal is resting the crowd by throwing 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 515 

missiles of all kinds would endeavor to rouse him again to action. Some- 
times he would only notice these annoyances by a toss of the head, but if 
an adventurous toriro, bull-fighter on foot, came very near with his teasing 
flag, one tremendous plunge indicated his desire of vengeance. But 
finding himself foiled by the agility of his tormentor, he would again 
resume his passiv.e bearing until roused once more to mischief by the 
steeled point of the staff or pike pole. The wounds inflicted by the goad 
would again arouse all his latent anger causing horse and foot to fly in 
one mingled rout from his furious onslaught. Accidents are very 
common, but are considered as trifles and the life of the sport by this 
enlightened people, yet it is a dangerous, cruel pastime, more particularly 
so to the footmen. In one charge of the bull on this occasion I saw at 
least half a dozen of them Jcnucked down under the feet of the running 
horses, though I do not know that any were seriously injured. There 
was one occurrence, that afternoon, that completely satisfied my desire to 
see no more of this amusement. The bull was standing in the centre of 
the square, covered with foam and lolling with fatigue — missiles, flags nor 
goad seemed to have any effect upon him ; he was pronounced " good for 
nothing — done over" — the people went around him and before him ; 
he even allowed himself to be patted without in the least noticing it. At 
length starting from his lethargy, he made a dart at his nearest assailants, 
but the cry of tOro^ toro notified them in time and they escaped the danger. 
One pOor fellow, however, some yards ahead, either deaf or so petrified 
with fear as to disable him from flying — was overtaken by the raging 
beast and thrown up in the air. He fell without a sign of life — when 
the bull having passed on, the unfeeling mob gathered around with shouts 
of laughter and mockery at his misfortune. He was picked up by two or 
three of the more humane ones and borne off with the blood streaming 
from his head and arm and I neither saw nor heard more of him. 

I am happy to see from your letters, my good father, that your trip to 
Washington was so satisfactory ; itis cheering to learn that" Old Hickory " 
is so favorably inclined to\vards you, and to hear of bis promise that you 
shall be retained in your office. The promise too of Moore, in relation to 
myself, as mentioned in yours of March 23d, was not unacceptable, but 
there is such a difl'erence between Moore and Harrison ! The latter has 
it in view to leave his son here with Dr. Bresson, but is not exactly de- 
termined. I will send my Journal by Gen. Harrison which will replace 
the missing numbers of my letters. I suppose Richard and Elizabeth are 
established in their own house, and so much taken up in nurturing little 
Deb, and the other stranger that I must be satisfied with their brief 
letters. Love and remembrances to one and all at home. 

Sincerely Yours, 
. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. R. V. Rensselaer. 



516 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

South American Letters Continued. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to Ids Father. 

Dear Father, Bogota, August 25, 1829. 

The letter dated five days since went to Carthagena and you no doubt 
will wonder at receiving another so soon, but I send this by Mr. Gooding 
of Boston who leaves this for home. Your No. 1 of May 31st, came to 
hand a few days since, the detention was caused by the mail's having 
been robbed, below Mompox on its way to Bogota. The mail boat, having 
a crew of bdgas, besides the patron, was attacked by another boat with, 
a similar crew completely armed. The patron was killed, one man badly 
wounded, and the other two made their escape by swimming ashore. The 
robbers after taking out the trifling amount of specie contained in the 
mail boat, left the correspondence unmolested in some place where it was 
subsequently found. Two of the villainous scape-graces have been ar- 
rested and sent to Gen. Montillo in Carthagena, who ere this has cured 
them of their itching propensities for other peoples lives and money. My 
letter was among others moored in the boat, against the Magdalena's bank, 
till some honest, true fellow came along, and put it on its right track for 
Bogota. I am very sorry to find out through letters to the General from 
J. Mac Pherson our Consul at Carthagena, that no letters went home in 
the August packet from that place ; the latest you had received from me, 
previoTis to that time, must have then been written in May at Barran- 
quilla and Mompox. Knowing through them that I was on the river, I 
fear that anxiety to hear of me at the end of my route, has been too much 
the " order of the day " at home. The cause of the delay in your not re- 
ceiving my letter was this. The Government here has passed a new tariff' 
law, the sure eff"ect of which will be to cut off" entirely, I fear, the valua- 
ble trade of the United States ; the duty on flour is eight dollars per bbl., 
other products of that country in proportion. This new tariff was to 
have gone into operation on the 1st of July, but the time was extended 
four months, at the representation of Gen. Harrison, in order that the 
Merchants at home might be saved from ruin, by timely notice of it. 
Bunch & Co., together with others, in hopes of making a fine speculation 
by laying in a large supply of North American produce, before the new 
decree went into operation, chartered the New York packet — then in 
port — and would not allow the Master to carry a single letter, for fear 
that word of the extended time for the tariff's going into effect, should 
be sent home. 

Amons the letters thus detained was Gen. Harrison's Dispatch on the 
subject of the extension and my two. The effect of thisabominaible tariff 
may be possildy to exclude our vessels from these ports, if^so, you of 
course will know the iact before I do, in that case our correspondence 
will be very irregular; but be assured I will avail myself of every known 
opportunity of letting you hear from me. The General is daily more and 
more pleased with " blackey, " and I myself also fully estimate his good 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 517 

qualities. To hear that your frirnds are on the alert to save your office 
is truly gratifying, 1 know of no person who can boast of so many true ones. 

I will now ask you to return, in thought, with me to my Southern home 
and accompany the parties, that every fair afternoon are sure to join the 
Henderson family in their excursions — the older people, with Gen. Harri- 
son, quite frequently, in a coach and four, while we younger ones take 
our airing on horseback in con)pany with the young ladies. Iluving now re- 
covered a fine appetite and nearly all my strength and I trust fully acclimated, 
our evening rides, with or without the ladies, were always highly enjoyed 
by me. The evening resort of all foreigners and the fashionables of the 
Capital is the beautiful Alctmeda or public walk. It is the prettiest road 
in the vicinity, on each side of it for two miles is the hedge of trees and 
shrubs, among the last are roses and blackberries always in bearing. It is 
the grand promenadeandhere a few carriages of Bogota as also the mounted 
cavaliers repair in a fine evening. The other avenues from the cap- 
ital on the plain being unadorned by trees or hedges are too monotonous for 
a frequent ride; there is one, however leading at the foot of the Monte 
Serratte towards the fountain head, that has variety enough. But the 
most romantic of all, is one leading to the Monastery or hermitage on top 
of that mountain and another to the ruined Convent on the Guadeloupe. 
On this last, 31/. Tayloo, Carter Harrison and myself rode one evening, 
it is rugged and .sufficiently wild to suit the most adventurous mind. 
About half way up, or one league from the city, we halted to look a\ two 
wild deer browsing within a pistol shot of the road, they seemed to con- 
sider one glance a sufficient notice of us, after which they resumed their 
satisfactory employment and we, without molesting the pretty creatures, 
continued our way to the summit of the mountain ridge. 

Owing to the circumstance of the earthquake of 1827 having demolished 
the building on this peak — at which period much damage was al.so done 
in the city — it was no more a place of resort. The path from the main 
road was so much overgrown with weeds, that we lost it, but did not mi.ss 
the principal object of our ride, the extensive and grand view that fixed 
us in astonishment. From an eminence, 1800 feet above the plain of Bo- 
gota, we had a splendid survey of the lofty Andes with its immense chain 
of towering mountains, we knew all about the steep and rugged ascent up 
to the stately peaks. We cast our eyes over the extensive table land and 
City ; the last had a very sombre appearance, the eftect of tiie dark tiled 
roof houses; the streets are all at right angles, and through the centre 
flows a stream of water. Some of the summits around tower to a prodi- 
gious height, rising far above the clouds, and are covered with perpetual 
snow, and although we are so near to the Equator the intense heat is not 
particularly oppressive in consequence of the elevated land, but the climate 
mild and salubrious though it is now Winter. After feasting our eyes 
with the grand and sublime spectacle, we returned by a still more difficult 
road than the one we had ascended and passed the fine Qninta — country 
seat — of the Liberator — General Bolivar. These rides I found very essen- 
tial — as the correspondence of Gen. Harrison with the Colombian Govern- 
ment for claims of our citizens, the remonstrances &c against the oppressive 
conduct of these authorities towards those citizens &c — gave me so much 
writing that 1 was quite happy to seize every moment for exercise. A 
transaction has just now become public, which has excited the indignation 
of all the English and Americans. It aj)pears that Nicholson and Tra- 
verse — the two persona from whom I received so much attention in Mom- 



618 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

pox — were left Executors to the will of an Englishman who died sorae 
time since in that city. Among his effects was eight pounds of gold dust 
(which article by a law, issued since his death, is made contraband there), 
the executors, who say they were not aware of that law, sold the dust to 
raise funds to defray the funeral expenses. The Governor (Aldercrutz) 
having heard of this, sent to demand the dust, but they of course could 
not produce it and were thrown into prison. Richard R. Nicholson, who 
had been long sick, and then laboring under delirium, was, notwithstand- 
ing the remonstrances of several physicians against the rough treatment, 
carried off and as predicted died in a few hours. Traverse too was sick, and 
after this tragedy of Nicholson, was removed to his own house and left under 
charge of a guard. 

After trying every method to procure his release without effect, (the 
amount in money having been rejected by this Governor) was obliged to 
run the risk of being condemned to ten years imprisonmeut and the loss 
of the eight pounds of dust, by smuggling that amount in the place to sat- 
isfy the Governor's cupidity. Now allowing that fraud was intended by 
these Executors in the disposition of the dust, can any thing justify the 
brutal and tyrannical conduct towards the dying Nicholson on the part of 
Aldercrutz ? No ! nor is this a single case of such treatment towards for- 
eigners, nor are the natives themselves exempt; they are, often made to 
writhe under the power of these arbitrary officers who carry their oppres- 
sive Pleasures to an infamous degree, and it is not at all remarkable that 
there are so many disaffected towards such a Government. This disaffec- 
tion is wide and fast spreading over the whole country ; there will no 
doubt be great political changes ere long, indeed runior positively declares 
that the President Dictator intends assuming that power for life, under 
the name of Presiddate Vitalicio or of Emperor. Rumor also says that 
DeBresson is here to pave the way for a Bourbon successor to Bolivar 
from France. These stories all tend to increase disaffection. A few nights 
since, placards were posted in the streets threatening DeBresson and the 
Duke de Montibello with assassination, if they did not desist from their 
intrigues to effect this object and leave the country. This proves the 
existence of a strong feeling and many fear more disturbances. "J'h^ 
Goodings, who were here and witnessed the horrors of the riot last year, 
are collecting all the debts they can muster and the one brother, for fear 
of another event of that kind now leaves for the United States. 

The girls I hope will be more particular in their chit-chat intelligence, 
it is only through them I can expect to keep the trace of friends dear to 
me in youthful days. I suppose my old companion — Robert Jenkins is 
married by this time. I am glad that my young friends still think of me, 
the Misses Lansings among the rest, let me hear more of them. I am 
really happy to hear of Aunt Maria's marriage, she must know me well 
enough to be assured she has my best wishes. The note of Uncle Kilian 
gave me great pleasure, it is characteristic of the kind feeling he always 
possessed for every one; the enfeebled state he was in, when I left home, 
compelled me to think I would never see him again, and the news of his 
death was not unlooked for. If a, practice of all the cardinal virtues of 
Christianity, without a profession of them, can secure the transient tenant 
of this life an after seat among the blessed, his soul is happy. The promise 
of my dear Mother, through the girls, that I should have a long letter from 
her as soon as she was completely well, is earnestly desired and looked for. 
Tell Adeline I have written twice to that fine fellow Dr. Van Rensselaer, 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 619 

and have also received two letters from him, I write again to him by this 

mail. I dare say Hat and Cat have grown very much and are studying 

hard, kiss them both for me. Remember me to all. Sincerely Yours. 

n o 1 -ir T> 1 A Ik \r V Henss. Van Rensselaer. 
Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 

Margaretta Van Rensselaer to her Sister. 
Dear Sister, Albany September 4, 1829. 

Your welcome letter found me at Mount Hope where I went la-st 
Wednesday and remained so as to be with our Dear Mother on her fifty- 
fourth birthday. I came in town to night with our dear Father. Yester- 
day afternoon (Thursday) a very sad accident befell our excellent towns- 
man Dr. James McNaughten. He with a few other gentlemen dined at 
Drake's in company with some Southerners, after which they rode out to 
William Walsh's [one mile south of the city] at Nut Grove to view the 
fine prospect. On their return, in coming down the steep hill, some part 
of the harness gave way, and in consequence of which the horse became 
frightened, and in running stumbled, by which he upset the chaise, in 
which James Stevenson, Esq. and Dr. McNaughten were seated. It rolled 
(the gig) two or three times entirely over on the Doctor. Mr. Stevenson 
was also thrown out, but not much injured. Hill Walsh and George 
Brinckerhoof went immediately to town and brought out the Doctors. In 
the meantime Papa and Catherine came walking along on their way to the 
biith-day party at Mount Hope. They had just raised the Dr. out of the 
gully, and he laid on the grass with his head on John Walsh's lap. Papa 
felt his hands and then sent Catharine to Cherry Hill for a cot, which 
Grandma soon sent as also a mattress. Dr. McN. seemed in great pain, 
and told Papa it was useless sending for the doctors as it was " all over 
with him," he said his "back was broken." As he wished Papa to re- 
main till the physicians came he did so, and after he was laid on the bed 
and being carefully moved to Albany, they came on to Mount Hope. 
James Stevenson certainly bad a most miraculous escape, his greatest 
damage being torn clothes. On examination it was found his back was 
710^ broken ; his ribs, however are, and his leg so badly fractured — the 
bone is mashed — they still fear it will have to be amputated, however it 
is set, and though still in a critical condition is doing better than expected. 
Rensselaer's letters were sent for you. The Patroon was here and so 
anxious to see them, that Papa promised he should read them when they 
were returned ; lie expected that Richard would have brought thom home 
with him. The Patroon has again inquired for them and Papa wishes 
you to send them up at once with the mail. Mania's cold is better. The 
weather here is also very changeable ; yesterday and to day quite cold 
enough (;o sit by the fire. Tuesday and Wednesday were the warmest 
days we have had during the Summer. I regret tliat the Doctor and 
Cousin Charlotte have suffered from the change. That God may bless 
and protect you, and all those who are near and dear to you is the sincere 
prayer of your sister — Margaretta. 

Miss Adeline Van Rensselaer. 

Care of Jer. Van Rensselaer, M. D., New York. 

Hon. Daniel Webster to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 
My Dear Sir, - , Boston, Sept. 11, 1829. 

I regret exceedingly, that before your letter came to hand, I had made 
an appointment to go to N. Hampshire soon after the 20th instant, on 



520 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

business which it is not practicable to postpone. So long an interval had 
occurred since I saw you, that I had been led to think you had concluded 
that it would be best to leave our meeting to accident. I hope, very 
sincerely, it may yet so happen, that I may see the General before I go 
South. The last week in October, and the two first weeks in Novr. I 
expect to pass in New York. It would gratify me if circumstances should 
call him to the City about that time. The opinions which I expressed to 
you, especially such as relate to the state of things in this part of the 
Country, have been much confirmed by events which have since occurred. 
It will not be possible to repress, for many months longer, some public 
demonstration of the General Sentiment. 

I am, Dr. Sir, with very sincere regard Yours, 

Danl. Webster. 
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 

Muy senor mio, Bogota September 17, 1829. 

My last to you, dated 25th ult., was committed to the care of Mr. Joseph 
Gooding of Boston, and is now probably with him in the " Tampico " 
wending its way over the briny deep, towards its destination ; if so you 
will have received that before this can reach its port of debarkation. I 
wish your letters' to me could travel so speedily, it has taken your quickest 
one, nearly three months after its date to reach me. A cavalcade of about 
twenty natives and foreigners, among whom I was one, went out with 
Senor Gooding, as far as Puente Grande, to see him thus far on his way 
home. The brothers were deeply aflPected at parting. The cause that 
leads to this separation between them, becomes every day more apparent. 
It is whispered that secret meetings are held at night by the Liberals to 
concert measures for counteracting the plans of Bolivar's friends. The 
mail which arrived here on Monday last, brought word of the Tampico's 
arrival at Carthagena, but to my disappointment, although she sailed from 
New York more than a fortnight after Mr. Moore, brought no word from 
home for me. I am of course in the dark still, as to Mr. Moore's real in- 
tentions respecting myself, but am inclined to think, from the circum- 
stance of his not having brought out a private Secretary, that my services 
in that capacity will not be unacceptable to him. His arrival, which is 
DOW expected hourly, will dispel every doubt; and by him I may look for 
the large package from home which you promised, in case he sailed from 
New York. Gen. Harrison some days since received a note from him, 
dated 10th ult , three days after his landing at Maracaybo, in which he 
states, that he will leave that City for this Capital in two days, and calcu- 
lated upon being here on the 10th of the present month. The seven days 
which have already passed, beyond his anticipated time for performing the 
journey proves that he was not aware of the difficulties of traveling in this 
country. Gen. Harrison was forty days, including ten days stoppage at 
Cuenta, in performing the same journey. We are under some apprehen- 
sion that either Mr. Moore or Mr. Pickett have fallen sick on the road. 

It is Gen. Harrison's intention to leave this as soon as possible, after 
transferring his office over, in order that he may pursue his route towards 
Carthagena at his leisure. He expects there the arrival of the Sloop of 
War " Natchez", (that brought out his successor) from Brazil, to which 
place she has gone to carry Capt. Cassin, and expects to be able to sail for 
the United States about the middle of November. Gen, Harrison will 



f 



LEaACY OF Historical Gleanings. 521 

leave South America, carryint; with him the best wishes, not only of -his 
own countrymen, but of ;ill the Colombians and Foreigners, who had the 
honor of his acquaintance. He is heartily sick of this tropical America, 
and were he not, he would have no reason to rciijret his recall, as I am 
satisfied that the ill-advised measure will have the contrary effect of honor-', 
ing him. He will have the largest escort that ever graced the departure 
of any foreigner from this Capital; not a military escort, but a cavalcade 
of sorrowing friends. For my own part I shall not leave the noble man, 
at any rate, until I see him borne, away from the store houses in Honda, 
by the waters of the Magdalena. Mr. Moore writes he will take the 
General's furniture, if he does so, with the house and garden, he will not 
only acquire a supply of what he must other wise procure here, but a fine 
variety of first rate vegetables, and this arrangement will relieve the 
General of much trouble. Mr. Moore also mentions in his letter that he 
has in his possession Dispatches from the Department for General Harrison. 
They undoubtedly contain the official notice of the General's recall ; we 
will therefore witness here the novel sight of the Presentation of a Minister 
Plenipotentiary at Bogota by his predecessor. I am doubtful if this letter 
finds a passage home, before the General leaves this Country, but will 
forward it on to Carthagena in hopes that it may. I am anxious that such 
should be the case, as I see published in the United States papers, the 
rumors and contradictory statements growing out of a war between this 
Colombia and Peru, which may possibly give rise to some uneasiness 
among ray friends at home ; but they need not be under any apprehension. 

The War is an ofl"onsive one on the part of Colombia, and is about sixty 
days journey for light mules from this; then too any occurrence there, 
produces just about as much interest among foreigners here, as does the 
war in Eastern Europe. Even the little interest we lately received from 
the military operations in that remote quarter of the Republic, must take 
another turn, for Bolivar having obtained repossession of Guayaquil 
by capitulation, seems disposed, if not obliged for want of funds, to end 
this famous war in negotiation. An armistice between the contending 
powers has taken place, in May last for sixty days, since which we have 
just heard that Commissioners on part of Peru were, in the Colombian 
camp, treating for Peace. Should this attempt for peace prove abortive, 
and should the Peruvian forces be able to defeat Gen. Bolivar in the 
South and make way through all the impenetrable passes to this City. 
I would look on the events as an uninterested spectator. 

Our Flag is held in such respect here, that any person under its pro- 
tection would find security even in a civil commotion. An Ambassador 
and his family have always been considered sacred, even in the most bar- 
barous nations. I hope therefore no one will give way to useless 
apprehensions on my account. Rumor, they say, grows in its travels, if 
that is the case any rumor relating to this country must be a monster by 
the time it reaches yuu. You have had, and undoubtedly will receive more 
exaggerated accounts from this new Republic, but again, I say, let my situa- 
tion here, be asufiicient guarantee to you of my personal security, and let 
me find contentment in knowing you have no anxiety on my account. The 
General now in daily expectation of the arrival of Mr. Moore, his suc- 
cessor, has just sent his son off to Guaduas (the village of his own .selec- 
tion, perhaps because his crony, before my arrival, D. 0. Carr is stationed 
there) in order to acquire as much knowledge of the language as possible, 



522 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

before leaving the country. In a few weeks the Hendersons will also • 
leave the city ; their ostensible reason for it, is to give the workmen an 
opportunity to repair damages, caused by the earthquake, on their house. 
When they have gone we propose to make a trip to the Falls of Tequen- 
dama, " oYie of the most remarkable cataracts in the world about 15 or 16 
miles south west of this city, on the river Bogota, a branch of the Meta. 
This river, which passes through the Capital, is compressed (just above 
the falls) from 140 to 35 feet in width, and rushes down a perpendicular 
rock at two bounds, to the depth of 574 feet, into an unfathomable gulf." 
Three or four of us escorted Consul Flenderson and family a few miles 
out of town and returned by the light of the moon. 

In the suburbs we met a patrol of twenty men, by whom we were in- 
stantly hailed with '■'■ QuUn vivo" (who lives) i* '' Colombia" was 
answered by Dr. Cheyene. " Quien es " (who is there) ? " Ciudaddno " 
(citizen), was the reply, and we passed on unmolested. 

While on the subject of the military, a word or two for future remini- 
scence is well enough. There are about 1000 soldiers quartered in this 
city, and more or less in every place of any consequence throughout the 
republic. The aggregate number of the regular army is 40,000 with 70 
generals, 200 colonels, and other officers in proportion. This immense 
standing army engrosses all the revenue of the country for its support, nor 
is that sufficient; forced loans are frequently resorted to, in order to 
maintain them and to raise funds for other current expenses. The 
common soldiers here in the capital get one real — 122 cents per diem, 
without rations, which is quite enough to support them here ; but they 
are poorly clad ; very few have blankets, none shoes. In other places 
the pay is more or less, according to the abundance or scarcity of provisions. 
The common soldiers are caught on market days, by a press gang, and 
driven to the cantonment in chains — where they are enrolled for a 
number oi' years and csWudi voluntario — volunteers. The dissatisfaction 
against the Government has now become so manifest that those in 
authority begin to perceive it and suspicions are awakened. They have 
arrested Tenorio under a charge of fomenting disturbances in the capital, 
and have thrown him into prison. It is supposed that advantage will be 
taken of Bolivar's advance in Peru, on the part of the Liberals or Consti- 
tutionalists to overcome his friends and those in favor of a monarchy 
in every part of the country. Such suppositions and Tenorio's 
imprisonment, is the cause of a great deal of distrust in the city. Cash 
people bury their riches, and visits are scarce; people are fearful of com- 
mitting themselves by unintentionally visiting a liberal and of course 
Bogota is now a dreary hole. Carter and the Hendersons are very much 
missed by all at our Legation. 

Sept. "list. A little before dinner to day Commodore De Kay of the 
Brazilian service, the avaut courier, sent on to announce the approach of 
Major Thomas P. Moore, Minister Plenipotentiary to Bogata and Mr. 
Pickett, arrived. After dinner Mr. Tayloe, myself and one or two of the 
General's guests, to day at dinner, rode out on the Alameda, the north 
avenue from the city and escorted them in. They had been forty days 
traveling from Maracaybo exclusive of resting, were completely worn out 
with fatigue, and shivering under their Kentucky cloaks with the cold. 
While the party are telling over their perils by sea and land, I haste to 
bring this letter to a close. Mr. Moore mentions having seen you and 
two of my sisters in New York and that your health was good, those two 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 523 

I suppose were Adeline and Matilda. Mr. Moore is an active little man 5 j 
feet 8 iuches in hei^^lit, 45 years of age, full of anecdote and conversation ; 
he and the General toirether kept the table in a roar of laughter for hours. 

His Secretary Mr. l*ick<utt like my.self is about six feet high, he is a 
shrewd, quiet, sterling fellow. The Major's baggage will be here tomor- 
row when I will have the home letters of which he is the bearer. I have 
not heard him express a word in the short time we have been together, 
respecting myself and for causes mentioned to you in another letter care 
but little about it so I may succeed in my other plans. 

I pray dear Adeline's attempt may this time succeed and she may re- 
cover from her unfortunate deafness, but she must not despond. 

Adios, Su servidor, 
Gen. Sol. Van Renssaiaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. 11. V Rensselaer. 

EeJisselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 
My Dear Father, Carthagena, November, 17, 182f). 

My last of September 21st at Bogota was written and dispatched on the 
day of Mr. Moore's arrival in that city; since which circumstances have 
occurred, which induced me to think it useless to write you more from 
Bogota as they have led to an alteration of my plans and to my being at 
present in this place. We will return in thought back again to the 
iMetropolis. Vergara — Secretary of State was immediately informed by 
the General of Moore's arrival, and requested to appoint an early day for 
his presentation. Vergira called with Miranda, his chief clerk and in- 
terpreter, on Colonel Moore two days after and appointed the 25th for 
his reception. The 25th of September, however, being the anniversary 
of Bolivar's escape from the conspirators in his palace, and as a grand 
mass with ffther ceremonies wefe to be performed then, as a test of their 
unbounded gratitude, in which the attendance of all orthodox Ciiristiana 
would be required, it was necessarily postponed until the following day. 

General Herrau Prefect of the Department had issued a proclamation 
on the 28th of July requiring all civil and military officers to wear mourning 
on this day, but the Supreme Council rightly conceiving such a despotic 
order would only have the effect of increasing the discontent against 
Government gave him a rap over the knuckles and it had been withdrawn ; 
and very few were sycophantic or timorous enough to appear in black 
costume. This Ilcrrau was the first wlio in public advocated a change 
from Republicanism to a Monarchy, having done so in a toast ami an ac- 
companying speech ; and from that discontent became more general. On 
the evening of September 25th, while sitting in the house of a friend in 
the city, another friend popped in, and told me that an extraordinary dis- 
patch had just arrived and if I would wait for him there one hour he 
would give me the news. He shortly returned and*on our way towards , 
the Iludrto dc Jai/me told me that the brave General Cordova, was an 
Insurrectionist, and in arms in Antioquia, with the determination to restore 
to Colombia her Constitution of Cucuta and to put down the monarchists, 
or to fall in the attempt. His force was not known. The following day 
the news had been generally circulated and created an intense sensation, 
particularly on the part of the Government and monarchists. This 
Cordova had been the favorite general of Bolivar and was known among 
the friends of Liberty against the Spaniards, as a courageous, gallant and 
efficient commander. It is less than a year since he prevailed on Col. 
Obando, then at the head of the Constitutional Army, to lay down his 



524 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

arms and thereby saved the President from defeat and ruin. In the in- 
timacy, however, that ensued in consequence of this service, having 
ascertained that Bolivar's views were directed to a crown, he abandons 
him, and arms in this holy cause; he is the dread of all his enemies. 
There is now much anxiety and commotion among all the Officials ; all 
the troops they could muster were immediately dispatched to put it down. 
Every person who was known to have been intimate with General Cordova 
was suspected ; some were imprisoned and one was extirpated. 

Well ! I must not forget to tell you about the Presentation of Col. Moore. 
Two oclock, Saturday Sept. 26th, being the hour appointed, the Old and 
New Legations from the United States, attended by Commodore De Kay 
adjourned from the Ilidrto de Jayme^ to the Government Palace where 
they were received by Mr. Castillo the President o^the Supreme Council 
and its members — General Herrau and others in the superb saloon. 
After a speech from Gen. Harrison officially introducing his successor, and 
resigning his functions ; another from Col. Moore expressive of his good 
feeling towards this Government; and appropriate answers from Mr. 
Castillo, the ceremony ended. It was laughable to hear speeches delivered 
in such a grave manner as these were, when none of them were under- 
stood by the persons for whom they were intended. It, was still more 
diverting to hear the President of the Supreme Council felicitating him- 
self upon the very tranquil and prosperous condition of Colombia, at a 
time when word of a formidable insurrection had just been communicated 
to them ; and when the interest on their public debt had not been paid 
for years ; when the Government Bonds were dull sale at ninety-seven 
per ct. discount ; and when there was not one cent in the treasury. Lord ! 
save the United States from siich a state of prosperity. 
' General Harrison, finding himself relaised from his public duties, and 
knowing that if he started homeward now. he would be detained several 
weeks in Carthagena, waiting for the arrival of the Sloop of War Natchez 
from Rio Janeiro, determined on gratifying a" long cherished desire of 
being for a short time, in a climate more warm and agreeable to his con- 
stitution. Intending also to make short excursions and see more of the 
neighboring county. The 27th, or day after being superseded by Col. 
Moore, the General accompanied by Mr. Tayloe and Dr. Cheyne rode out 
to Anolayma, a village twelve leagues oflP, to pay a visit to the family of 
Mr. Jan)es Henderson, H. B. M's Consul-General, who were residing at 
that place ; leaving the keys of the house with me and injunctions to do 
the honors of his establishment to the new Minister and his Suite. The 
General's son was still in Guaduas. At ten oclock the following day I 
had all the servants of both families drawn up to give his Holiness the 
venerable Arch. Bishop a suitable reception. He called, in his dark, 
heavy coach and four, attended by an old priest and six servants in brown 
livery, to pay his respects to the ncio American Minister. I had the honor 
of introducing the eminent gentlemen to each other; and subsequently 
the felicity of conducting the Arch Bishop, with the assistance of Com. De 
Kay, to his coach. We both received for our^attentions, as many sanc- 
timonious benedictions as would have been rendered any, but such a heretic 
as myself, invincible to the shafts of a legion of devils. My services 
were called in requisition again by Col. Moore to accompany him in re- 
turning the calls he had received since his arrival. After finishing up 
more than twenty — including all the Diplomatic families and principal 
foreigners and escorting him home, I called on our countryman Gooding 



Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. 525 

in hopes of finding Carr who had been, with Carter Harrison on a visit to 
the IJendersons, and brought me a letter from him, written while there. 
Carr had arrived in the City, the night previous, with dispatches from 
Gen. Urdaneta Minister of War from Guaduas, and with the intention of 
joining his battalion, which wa^ in preparation to march against Cordova. 
(He was the young American whom I have mentioned in a former number 
to have met on the road on my way up from the Magdalena river to Jiogota.) 

In a conversation that evening at Goodings, where I was present with i 
many other foreigners, Carr stated it to be his intention to enter his de- 1 
position the next day at the War Office, against some persons whom he 
knew to be on friendly terms with Cordova ; by so doing he expected to 
receive promotion and the appointment of Aid to General O'Leary — the 
(,'omuiander of the troops destined to fight (-ordova. His ^ords delivered 
in a half jesting tone were, at the time, unheeded ; but imagine my sur- 
prise the next day, when sent fur by a friend of Gen. Harrison to learn, 
that this calculating scoundrel had not only fulfilled his intention, but 
that the persons he had implicated were his best friends. Carr had truly! 
entered an affidavit in the Secretary of State's office that Consul Henderson' 
knew all of Cordova's plans and corresponded with him ; nearly the same 
of Col. Torrens the Mexican Charge d'Affiiire ; of Mr. Lcidendorf the 
Agent of the Banking House of Goldsmidth ; of young Harrison ; and that 
Gen. Harrison had lull information on the subject ! For a short time I 
was lost in amazement that a countryman, and one too from one of the 
first families in Virginia, could be guilty of so mean an action to promote 
his advancement. I recalled to mind what Colonel Moore had said, that 
he " had set that man down I'rom his first interview as capable of any 
base action" and how provoked 1 had felt at the Colonel for misjudging 
Carr — as I then thought. I soon however threw aside idle speculations 
and betook myself to action. 1 knew that the Government so despotic on 
common occasions; which had rewarded in anticipation the informant, 
and often had by a summary process punished the persons informed 
against — by expulsion or otherwise if the charges were not immediately 
rebutted would also be active. I soon understood from high authority, 
that it was the intention of Government to make the affidavit of an un- 
grateful miscreant, without other proof, their ground for sending to a high- 
minded soldier like Gen. Harrison, an order not to return to the capital, 
I accordingly dropped one letter in the Post Office for Carter B. Harrison — 
Guaduas, desiring him to join his father immediately, and forthwith dis- 
patched anutlier letter to the General by a mounted messenger ; remaining 
myself to find out if possible the intentions of the Government. 

Col. Torrens ieareii that Henderson might have put his papers in Gen. 
Harrison's charge when he left town. Col. Moore was a little nettled 
when he found 1 had sent for the General without first consulting him. 
I told him that 1 had considered it so essential for the General to be im- 
mediately informed, that I did not wish to lose time in troubling him with 
it; but that now the General was in a fair way of knowing all belbre he 
takes another breakfast, I wished to know what course to pursue in case 
the Government send here to demand his papers before his return. " Have 
you any reason to suppose" he asked "that Gen. Harrison is in any way 
concerned in this disturbance of Cordovas?" "Not the least in the 
world." "Then why should you desire to embroil yourself by trying to 
prevent the execution of this Government's orders? if Henderson has left 
his correspondence in this house (and you don't know that he has) the 



526 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

General is not answerable for him. I therefore recommend you to keep 
a bold front and permit them unmolestedly to take their course and ex- 
amine the house." Swelling with indignation at such advice — I angrily 
replied that, " I would put on a bold front, but if the Government troops 

enter this house, except over my dead carcass I'll consent to be d d." 

He was terribly annoyed at this determination^ but I repeated again that, 
while I lived in that house no examination of papers shall take place in 
it. He then left me, saying he would go out and make some inquiries 
himself about the substance of Carr's affidavit. 

Cato was the acting porter for the night with orders to call me if any but 
the household knocked at the door and precautions taken and preparations 
made to prove how far man can go when spurred by duty. I threw my- 
self on my bed without undressing, with lights burning. At half past 
eleven o'clock I heard footsteps in the inner square of the house, and 
presently the door of my room opened, when Col. Moore entered and 
found me standing by my table facing the door, with sword, dirk, guns, 
pistols &c., in a state for action. *' Well " says he, " I see you're ready." 
. j I made no reply to that, but asked him what he had learned. " It is all 

I too true," says he, " Henderson is implicated over head and ears. Tor- 
rens and Leidersdorf nearly as much. Gen. Harrison less than any, but 
all badly enough. Carter's name is used too, but I can't find out in what 

I manner. It is a serious afi'air and now after more reflection I find you are 
right; the house must be protected, and you may make yourself easy, 
and go to bed with the assurance, that I will use all my influence to do so ; 
when that proves unavailing, I'll use my arms and by God, the house 
shan't be entered for an examination of papers while I live. Right or 
wrong the General shall be defended." 

Such a declaration from a person of his authortiy, and one whose good 
will, it was the policy and hope of the Government to conciliate, operated 
upon me (as it was unlooked for) in this moment of doubt and uncertainty, 
as a reprieve would to a criminal under the gallows. I involuntarily 
grasped his hand in the agony of feeling, and if my eye moistened a little 
it is not to be wondered at, while muttering something about his taking a 
correct view of the subject — now acting in character as a Representative 
of the United States, the General being a friend of mine ko. He refused 
the arms I offered, as he had plenty of his own, and left me to put them 
in order before going to bed. 

I was now quite relieved — but did not " douse my lights," or close my 
eyes in sleep that night. Next morning I was astonished in passing a shop, 
to see its owner, whom I thought at that time, at or near Anolayma, 
behind his counter at work as usual ; but soon discovered that he had been 
frightened, back when four leagues from the City, by a swaggering 
'Colonel in the Colombian service This affair loaded me again with 
anxiety and trouble; it was well known that the Republican principles of 

/ Gen. Harrison had long been dreaded by this Government, and that he 
had been looked upon with an eye of suspicion since he had publicly 
contradicted a report, which they had industriously circulated, of Presi- 
dent General Jackson's intentions to crown himself King of the United 
States. Such a report the Monarchists had hoped would have reconciled 
the people of Colonibia to such a change ; having been thwarted thus in 
their calculations, there was no doubt that they would if possible, get rid 
of the man, who merely in refuting a slander on his country, had been 
the cause of their mortification. Knowing all this and feeling that any 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 527 

indignity intended General Harrison was an insult to my country — my 
plans of operation were speedily formed. I returned home — ordered a 
horse — which had hecn in the stable all night against any emergency — 
to be saddled and breakfast to be brought in. Put on a traveling dress, 
took a hasty breakfast and gave the keys of the house to Col. Moore re- 
questing him to be his own entertainer until the Genreral's return to- 
morrow evening. " ^^ hy ! where are you going?" says he. "To Ano- 
laynia," I answered. " My messenger has been frightened back 
by a Colombian oflBcer and Gen. Harrison is still ignorant of what's 
going on." "You will be sent back too." "But I have a pass- 
port here," showing him one of my pistols and a dirk. He shook his head, 
indicating that they would not carry me through, then told me that I was 
running myself into useless danger, as anything I now could do, would not 
save the General, the order would reach him before 1 could. I then told 
him that the order was not yet issued and that it was useless to attempt 
talking me out of my juuut — for it was my duty to acquaint the General 
of what was g;oing on &c. I would see him at all hazards. " If you will 
go, I can't prevent it, but I fear your hot blood will lead you into a 
scrape." " If it does " says I, " I hope to work myself out again, I could 
send another messenger, but none with a probability of succeeding as well 
as myself. I am attache to Gen. Harrison's family, and as such, they 
have no right to stop me — for the General is still as much entitled to all 
his privileges as ever. I shall tell all. who attempt to stop me the same 
thing — if they then persist — I am fully determined to force my way if 
possible." He then left me with a promise to do his best to have all 
proceedings put off, on part of the Government, till the General's return. 
"When I passed the parlor, I saw Col. Moore within deeply engaged in 
conversation with Miranda ; they both saw me in my traveling trim and 
saw me mount my horse — but the supposition that this Chief Clerk 
would divine my designation, and report it to the Secretary of State — 
did not in the least tend to cause a diminution of speed when under head- 
way. Every step my horse took, he lelt the application of whip or spur, 
and dashed along the first seven leagues over the plain, fast enough even 
to satisfy my impatience. I cast many anxious looks behind for pursuers, 
and every look, as the distance from the capital increased, made me feel 
greater security. 

I now had left the great Honda route, and the straggling squads of 
soldiers traveling on it, and for the first slacked my horse's speed to relieve 
him by walking up the steep acclivity from the estate of Las Monjas. 
On the summit level I had a view of the entire plain below ; though I 
saw no one on the road I had just left in chase, still I made my we'iiry nag 
pace it along pretty briskly over the fine path I met with there, without more 
than a casual glance at the majestic splendor ol" the distant rugged mount- 
ains covered with glistening snow. A bad zigzag descent alter a while, 
and a hilly road with its necessary meandering and windings so worried 
my horse, that I would have changed him for a fresh one, but that being 
an impossibility as none could be procured at Sipacon I proceeded. 
Shortly after leaving Sipacon, a mud hole of considerable length in which 
he sunk over his knees in the stiff clay, together with still another terri- 
ble pass, near the edsje of a giddy precipice, appeared to have " done him 
up," he would not be excited to great speed by whip or spur, but walked 
along leisurely, for some time at his own gate. At length hearing great 
clattering of hoofs behind me, I turned and saw coming around an angle 



528 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 

in the road, a horseman driving along at a furious rate, with a cockade in 
his hat and sword by his side; immediately another in a rapid gallop 
made his appearance. The idea at once struck me, that they had been 
sent at the instigation of Miranda to escort me back to the metropolis ; 
every nerve was strung for action, but I felt quite pleased to think there 
were no more of them. They passed by me without checking their pro- 
gress, but I fancied they eyed me very closely, with intense surprise and 
thought there was something satirical in their salutation which I returned 
and they were soon out of sight. 

I conjectured now that they might have been dispatched direct to the 
General and Consul General ; and I most cordially cursed the whole 
country when to the question if he had hay, addressed to the owner of a 
house by the wayside, I received for answer, " No, Senor, no hay." " Is 
there a fresh horse here ? " " No Seiior there is not." Then giving my 
poor beast a desperate spurring with all my force, and putting the whip 
in play at the same time, he went flying down the hill after the two horse- 
men, whom I now discovered at the foot of it fixing their saddles. I was 
about passing by without paying the least attention to these suspicious 
looking personages, when they very civilly hailed me and told me that as 
my " horse appeared quite fatigued, I had better slop awhile and let him 
blow." Aha ! thinks I, they now wish to commence operations, and do 
it in a very courteous manner, but I will let them see I can match them 
in any thing if not check-mate. Accordingly I stopped and replied, their 
" recommendation was a very good one," and without appearing to have 
the slightest mistrust rode up near them and in a gay style dismounted. 
I naight not have done so if I had not been perfectly sure that their 
horses would have very quickly overtaken me. As it was, I had no other 
recourse. I was well armed, and they could not know it. of course I had 
every advantage on that score. I threw myself on my own ingenuity to find 
out their intentions. I had scarcely alighted when one of them began an 
interrogatory with '■'■Adonde " (where)? When thinks I, the pumping 
must be commenced by myself, so broke him short off, by maledictions on 
my horse for not following me to a stake, and then by singing out " Tray- 
game canddla muchacho " (bring me fire boy); and by offering cigars to 
both of the stranger.s. I beat him so unexpectedly off his track, that I 
could now, myself very naturally interrogate, and did so by asking him 
where he was bound. " To Anolayma," says he. " How far is it from 
here ? " " Three hours ride." " Do you live there ? " Yes ! I am the 
Commandant of Arms there, if you are going that way, we'll ride together. 
I suppose you know the Consul ? " " Of course, every one knows the Con- 
sul." "That's true," says he. Finding him so prompt in his answers, I 
led him from one subject to another in way of chit-chat, and learned that 
Gen. O'Leary and suite had left the city about half an hour after I did ; 
that the Government had sent orders out to collect in the capital, a certain 
proportion of the militia, to replace the regulars who had marched away ; 
and that the quota from the district of this commandant, for that purpose, 
would be -fifty. I did all I could indirectly to discover if he had any com- 
mission for Gen. Harrison or Henderson, but for fear of betraying too 
much anxiety on that subject was obliged to drop it, satisfied that either 
he had none, or that he was too good a politician to let me know it. The 
times, his manners, and the mode of his starting a conversation with me, 
all had a tendency to keep my vigilance on the alert ; theretbre notwith- 
standing his suavity of deportment, I always kept an eye upon his move- 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 529 

ments and a hand on a pistol. We took some chichi together and at his 
instigation, gave a quantity to our horses, he said it would revive them. 
Mine drank half a pailful and for the feat, was pronounced cmhorrachon 
drunkard by the Commandant. We then mounted and I was politely 
offered the lead, and just as politely insisted upon their taking it them- 
selves, alleging that my nag would follow better than lead, besides they 
knew the way and I did not. They accordingly bounded on ahead, and I 
felicitated myself on the success of my maneuver by which I had escaped 
the possibility of an attack in the rear, and merrily pushed on after them. 
Whether the chichi had the eflBcacy the Commandant ascribed to it or 
whether my horse was Ibnd of company on this lonely road, I know not, 
but it is certain that he now got along ({uite as fast as when first starting 
in the morning, nor could they with all their furious driving leave him 
behind. The commandant was quite as fond of society as my horse, and 
very communicative — he told me he was Carracanian by birth — talked 
much of commerce — shipping and steamboats. He had once gone a three 
days journey from Anolayma to Peiion de Conejo to see one j and was 
quite astonished when I told him, that those kind of vessels, on some 
rivers in the United States, were as plentiful as champiins on the Mag- 
dalena. He gave me the names of the different kinds of elegant large 
trees by the road side — pointed out to me a spot, marked by a cross of 
rough wood — where a countryman returning from market had been 
murdered, and indicated the site in a deep ravine, where his body had 
been found, almost destroyed by the galllndza — buzzard ; and wound up 
by intimating that it was very imprudent for a stranger, like me, to travel 
slnarmar — without arms. I gave him my assent to his position, with 
something like a contemptuous smile — and thought how disappointed he 
would be if he had any sinister designs on my person, provided he under- 
took to carry them into effect, to find me so ready to meet him. After a 
while we came to a halt, on a little flat at the head of a long, dreary, steep 
and narrow pass — a place well calculated for any " deed of darkness" — 
when pulling from his pocket a short, thick ivory whistle, he turned round 
and observed, that it was necessary to carry such a thing, in order to warn 
muleteers below of his approach, at such narrow defiles, or there would 
be a difficulty in passing each other. Then giving a long shrill blast, he 
held his head down in an attentive position, and directly the peculiar 
whoop of a muleteer was heard in answer from the deep dell beneath us. 
Tiieofficergave twomore blasts — two responsive whoopswere heard, which 
satisfied him, that the mules below had stopped and calling out to me 
" Ahdra vaydmonos" (let us go on now), he put the spurs in his nag and 
away he went, myself at his heels — down thorough, crooked escalera 
(staircase). I had a few days previous read a well written tale, in one of 
the magazines, of the adventures of Spoliano, an Italian Bandit; the scenes 
in that assimilated so mucli to this — and my present situation so much 
to that of the victims, who had been lured within his power, that I now 
gave up the idea of my cicerone's being a government messenger, and put 
him down for one of Spoliano's occupation. His story of the murdered 
palsduo (countryman) — his allusions to my defenseless situation — his 
whistle were all so strongly confirmative of this suspicion — that instead 
of finding the persons who had answered his shrill summons with a shout, 
simple inoffensive muleteers — I expected shortly to see a parcel of tall, 
whiskered and mustachioed outlaws. Each with machcttas in their hands 

67 



530 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

spring out from their hiding places among the rocks, with " clar me su 
2)ldta/' (give me your money). However we sallied out at the foot of 
the escalera without an adventure, where we found an old Indian with his 
squaw, mule and ox freighted with hides of molasses — from him came 
the whoops. 

All doubts of the Commandant were entirely dispelled only when we 
came to the great square of the romantic village of Anolayma, then he 
pointed out to me the way to the Consul General's residence and with 
" Adios Senor'' turned taking another direction for his home followed by 
his attendant. It was now sunset ; all the ladies and gentlemen except 
the General were out enjoying their evening walk, giving me an uninter- 
rupted opportunity of communicating the unpleasant tidings to him. 
He could scarcely believe in the reality of the information, that Carr for 
whom he had done so much could have proved the ungrateful perjurer. 
Conscious, however, of his own innocence he did not evince the least 
alarm or uneasiness upon the occasion but very uuconcernedly walked off 
with me to meet Henderson and Tayloe. I had borne the news to those 
so deeply interested and the following morning Tayloe left for Guaduao, 
while General Harrison and Consul General Henderson, of course, repaired 
with all possible expedition to the capital to meet any charges ; none were 
preferred against them — but, notwithstanding, Henderson, Torrens, and 
Leidendorf very soon received their Passports to leave the Country at a 
short notice. The friends, whom I had left behind me in Bogota the 
morning I started with the evil tidings, were every moment looking out 
in the most anxious expectation of seeing me brought back a prisoner. 
Mr. Moore was then in trouble too, lest I should come in contact with the 
reprobate Carr, who with O'Leary was close at my heels, he told those 
friends that if we did meet, it would be " a bloody meeting." It must 
undoubtedly have been such had they attempted to stop me, but I am 
very happy now I did not see him, it is far better for both. 

When Mr. Tayloe and Carter Harrison arrived the hearts of all parties 
could beat more evenly. Carr reached Guaduas the same evening that 
Tayloe did, and the scoundrel, supposing that Tayloe had not yet beard 
of his villainy, went up to him in a most hypocritical manner, and offered 
him his hand, but Tayloe after eying him scornfully a moment, turned 
his back upon him without saying a word — when Carr sneaked out of 
the house like a sheep stealing dog. 

He met young Harrison on his way out, but passed by him, with his 
eyes on the ground, without opening his mouth to the intimate friend, or 
companion rather, though at parting with him a few days before, he had shed 
a copious flood of tears. Geul. O'Leary when told by Tayloe of (Parr's 
shameful conduct declared that he had not known of it before, and that he 
had been put in his staff without his wish, or consent. How much proba- 
bility there was in that statement, may be inferred from the tact that — my 
authority from whom I first heard that Carr had made such a deposition, 
and which proved correct as far as it went, stated most positively that Genl. 
O'Leary and Carr were together when it was made. The jealousy of the 
government towards the friends of Cordova is proved, because as soon as the 
news of his raising the constitutional standard was heard in the capital, his 
own ncphewwho was quite aboy.with some personal friends were thrown into 
prison. It was manifested also in the exile of Nicholasa Ibera, a lady of 
great beauty, wealth and accomplishments ; the mother of six children — a 
great Liberal. Her friendship for the calumniated and unjustly exiled Vice 



Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 531 

President, Santander, had drawn upon her the suspicions of government 
and she was accused of holding political meetings at her elegantly fur- 
nished Quinta (country seat) near the city, and sent off under a guard of 
soldiers, accompanied by a crippled son and daughter. The expectations 
of the perjured crack brained Virginian in reward for his unparalleled yil- 
lainy have been amply rewarded ; he is indeed attached to the suite of Gen. 
O'Leary, but with all this honor he bears the mo.st cordial contempt of 
every honest man of all parties. Nor does any person attempt to sup- 
press the feeling at his duplicity in worn)ing himself into the good 
opinion of individuals, in order to draw from them circumstances whereon 
to found a tale which so far imposed on a distracted and credulous govern- 
ment, as to elicit its belief in his veracity ; and consequently procured 
his promotion at the expen.«e of his confiding friends. The unprincipled 
fellow's course to advance himself was this; having learned that last year 
before setting out on his successful campaign against Col. Ubaudo in Pop- 
ayan, this General Cordova had been very attentive to one of the beauti- 
ful daughters of Consul General Henderson, and that common fame had 
spoken of an engagement at the time, (however untrue, the young lady was 
but thirteen years of age), and knowing how suspiciously the Government 
viewed all, who had ever been on terms ol intimacy with Gen. Cordova, 
this perfidious fellow paid a visit, uninvited, to this unsuspecting family at 
Anolayma. He was kindly welcomed — he had partaken of their fare, 
walked, talked and sung with the young ladies — he had been treated as 
a friend but, most fiend like, he was then plottint^ their ruin. On his re- 
turn he invented the tissue of absolute falsehoods upon which only rests 
the apology of this government for its outrageous proceedings against the 
Diplomatic Agents of other countries. 

It remains to be seen if those countries will accept so paltry an excuse 
for its insults. General Cordova had been exceedingly pleased with, and 
very assiduous in his devotion to, Miss Fanny, the third daughter of Con- 
sul Henderson. When in Bogota his leisure moments were spent in the 
society of that family, he walked, rode and was ever with them at parties; 
they owed much to his civilities. They described him to be the handsom- 
est of all Colombians, rather tall, well made, dark hair and eyes, expression 
determined and dignified, gentlemanly in all his actions, above all a man 
of the strictest honor, his word could always be depended upon. They 
had full opportunity of judging and appreciating his character. When he 
and Gen. Bolivar left the capital, to put down Obaiido, before they pursued 
their expedition against Peru — Mr. Henderson rode out with them some 
leagues, and at parting asked Bolivar to write often to let him know how 
he prospered He answered in a laughing way, " I will be too much en- 
gaged, but Cordova, I am sure will tire you with letters — he'll give you 
all the news." Cordova did write, and probably did give all the passing 
events — of this many people knew — Carr too must have heard of it, which 
enabled him to weave his diabolical tale. Cordova's splendid career to es- 
tablish the liberties of the country and cast off the yoke of Spanish oppres- 
sion and tyranny was often openly discussed; the peaceful termination of 
Col. Obando's insurrection, was attributed to him. Mr. Henderson had 
conversed quite freely with me on the situation, history and affairs of Co- 
lombia and Ct)lombians. His connection with Cordova was told to me 
openly for there was nothing to be concealed. After Cordova had con- 
cluded a pacific negociation with Col. Obando — he by .some means became 
convinced of Bolivar's schemes of ambition and not being able to bring his 



532 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 

pure principles to favor them — tendered his resignation. This Bolivar 
refused to accept and knowing his vast influence and efficiency — appointed 
him Minister of Marine, in order to reconcile him to his own measures. 

Cordova understood the motive of this favor — but instead of swallowing 
the bait — instead of proceeding as directed to Bogota to enter upon the 
duties of his new office — he returned home, asevents have shown, to oppose 
the progress of monarchy and to sustain the dearly purchased liberties of 
the country in her struggles for independence. The circumstance of his 
difference with Bolivar was mentioned in one of his letters to Consul Gen- 
eral Henderson ; who in reply regretted it — and advised him by all means, 
to keep upon good terms with the Liberator, but, if the unfortunate quarrel 
was not settled, he desired that he should not be written to more on the 
subject, as he might be involved into difficulty by such a correspondence. 
In consequence of this discreet and proper request, so decidedly expressed — 
Cordova's subsequent letters were, as his previous ones had been of a gen- 
eral or of a friendly import, and Henderson did not fear publishing them, 
entire, to the world. There was a story put in circulation in Honda, of 
the capture of a servant of General Cordova, on whom, it was said letters 
were found from that General directed to Consul General Henderson, ad- 
vising him by all means to leave the country at once. It proved to be a 
mere rumor and the family were so strongly impressed with the idea that 
Colonel Campbell was at the foot of all the mischief, that a confirmation 
of it did not excite the least surprise. Circumstances favored me, and 
through them I learnt that the enmity of Colonel Campbell towards Mr. 
Henderson was the sole promoter, if notthe origin of all this mischievous ca- 
ballin":. 



END OF VOL. L 



INDEX. 



Aaron, Mr., 112. 

Abraimm P. Lott to Philip Van 

Henssulaer, 52. 
Account current, curiogfi, 335. 
Acopta, Col.. 4!t!). • 

Adams, -100, 410, 415. 
Adams, Andrew, 57, 68. 
Adams, Jolin, :J8, 81, 150. 
Adams, Jolin Q., 307, SJS. 308, 
40;i, 405, 4»l), 437, 464; to 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, 
403 ; president, 149. 
Adams, Sir., 5-1, 383, 416, 430. 
Adams, Sauiiu'l, .'JS. KiO. 
Ain-ays, l(i7-i(;S; statement of 
facts ol, 169 ; speech at trial 
of, 170-182; awards in re- 
spect of, 182. 
A hard i:aU(ip. .527 
Aix-la-Chapello, treaty of, 18. 
Albany, appointment of post 

master at, 366. 
Albany, first mayor, ^; first 
clerk, S; first recorder, 8; 
first pastor. 8. 
Albany Quill, the. dreaded,315. 
Albany nnide the capital, 18:i. 
Albany jxist otfice. corn-spond- 

eucc about. :iS8-;)n2. 
Alexander, Captain, 12. 
Alexander, Joseph. liW, 197, 
199, 200, 201, 203. 205. 207, 
209, 219. 22.S, 229, 2.36. 242, 
213. 244, 266, 2»J8, 273, 274, 
275. 276, 278, 280, 288, 297, 
29S. 300. 303, 4,%. 
Allen. Col. Ethan, 41, 48. 
Allen, Nathaniel, 378. 
Alli<;ators, extraordinary num- 
bers of. 481. 
Alligator's nest, sleep in, 490. 
Allyn, Captain, 411. 
Alve, Capt., 46. 
Ames. Mr.. 344. 
Amhurst, General, 28, 33. 
Amsterdam, incidents iu, 118. 
Ancient orders, 18, 19. 
Andes, origin of name of, 438. 
Andrews. Capt., 119. 
Andros, Kduiund, 8. 
Anecdote, auiusing, 103. 
Almoin, Capt,, 116. 
Anolayama, Adios Seiior, 530. 
Anthony. Charles, 420. 
Anthony, Ocn., 90. 
Appling, Lieut. Col., ,325. 
Armistice, news of, 306. 
Armstrong, Cant., 2.58, 263. 
Armstrong, Col., 63. 
Armstrong, Qen. John, 216, 
231, 2,5.5, 285. 305, :«)8, 310, 
311. 316. 318. 319, 471, 472; 
to Judge Spencer, 471. 
Army news. 111. 
Army, number of, 522. 
Arnold, 412. 

Arnold. Col. Benedict. 48. 
Arnold, Ucn., 53, 70, 186. 
Arrest, 485. 



ABsassination, horrible, 432. 
Atwater, Hon. Caleb, 431. 
Aveudano, Scfior Martin, 497, 
498, 499. 



Rabbington, Sarah, 51. 
Bacon, John F., ;i54. 
Bailey, (ien.. :385. 
Baiubridge. Com., 351. 
Bainhart. Mr.. 202. 
Baker, Caleb. :i38. 
Baker, .Major D.. 4&t. 
Balcom. Col., 309. 
Baldwin. Rbenezer. 486. 
Ball. Lieut. Gen., 141. 
Baiicker, Gerard, S3. 
Banyar, (ieorge, 36. 
Baptist, John, 25. 
Barber, Gen., 107. 
Barbour, Hon. P. P., 268, 385, 

408. 
Barbonr, James W., 356. 
Barnnm, P. T., 400. 
Barnum, Stei)hen, 311. 
Barny, Joshua, 318. 
Barranquilla, -^12. 
Barron. James, 3.50. 
Barry, \Vm. F.,470, 487. 
Barteu, Judge, 236. 
Barton, Mr., 289,292. 
Barun, Lieut. John, 56. 
Basset, John, 152. 
Bates, Stephen, 311. 
Battle, after I he, 230-2S.3. 
Battle of Queenstou Heights. 

2:i8. 
Bayard, Judith, 10. 
Bay, Cornelius, 76. 
Bay, Dr, William, 156, 327, 

357,:i67, 377, 378, 381, 436. 
Bay, John, of Claverack, 404. 
Bay, Mary, 427. 
Beard, Mr., 222,223. 
Bearer of bad news, 5.30. 

Beck, N. F.,486. 
Becker, Mr., 432. 

Bedell, Col , 53. 

Beekman, Caty, 428. 

Beekman, Mr. Jerard, 428. 

Beoldsnyder, S. C, 120. 

Beers, f. Wni., 152. 

Belknap, Lieut., 335. 

Belli. Jno, 98 

Bellingers, Lieut . 224. 

Benedict, Col., 199 . 

Benevolent Society, the Wash- 
ington, to Cols. Van Uens- 
selaer and Lovett, 281-283. 

Benson, 223. 

Benson, Capt., 49. 

Benson, Mrs., 146. 

Benson, Robert, 57. 

Benton, Gov., 158. 

Berry. John, 321. 

Beverly, Mr., 416. 

B'.'wel. Col., .55. 

Bibb, George M ., 317 ; to John 
J. Crittenden, 317. 

G8 



Riddle, Major, 424. 
BirdsMll, Major. :iW. 
Blanchard, Judire, 333. 
Bleecker, Harmauus, 328, 367, 

415. 
Ble«cker, John James, Mr., 57. 
Bleecker, John R.,486. 
Bleecker, Mr. Barent, 158. 
Bleecker, Solomon Van ReuB- 

selaer, 418. 
Blenheim House, visit to, 127. 
Blodget, Mr., 34. 
Blodgett, Samuel, 33. 
Bloodgood. 178, 182. 
Bloodiiood. Col.. 418. 
Bloodgood, Francis, 168, 190, 

486. 
Bloodgood, Mr.. 167, 175. 180. 
Bloom, Col., m, 234,256, 257. 
Bloom. Lt. Col., 267. 
Blue. Lieut. Win. K., to Capt. 

Van Rensselaer, 106, 123. 
Blue. R. W., 123. 
Bogardns. Gen., 487. 
Bogardus, Robt., 366, 367. 
BoL'art, Isaac, 327. 
Bogota, climate of. 473. 
Bogota, recuperating at. 512. 
Bolivar, Gen. Simon, 437, 440, 

4.54, 462, 499, 500, 517, 521, 

522, 52-3, 524, iVJl. 532 ; and 

Cordova, 523 : president, 

445 ; to assume royalty, 499. 
Borland, 375. 
Bounties, heavy, to soldiers, 

324. 
Bowyers, Capt. Henry, 34. 
Boyd, (ieneral, 321. 
Boyd, Messrs. 331. 
BoVd, Peter. 131, 275. 
Bovd. UoUert, Junr., 55. 
Bniddock, Gen., 18. 75, 136. 
Bradford, Dr.. 327,355. 
15radford. John M., 149. 
Bradley, 402. 
Bradley. W. C..408. 
Bradstreet, General, 32. 
Bradt, .A.lida, 91. 
Hradt, Peter, 42. 
Bniinard's briflge. 418. 
Brandt Van lIi)ok to Philip 

Van Rensselaer, 71. 
Brant, Capt., 53. 
Brant, John. 2()2. 
Brant. Joseph. 3, 53, 122. 
Bratt. Alida, 10. 
Bralt. Maria, 17. 
Bra v. Mr., 93. 
Brecks, J., 94. 
Breech. Ens., 124. 
Bresson, M. De, 503, 501, 503, 

510. 
Bresson. Dr.. .515. 
Bfidgen, Mayor T. A., 418. 
Bridge of Pandi, a party visit, 

51VS. 
Brinckerhoof. Geo.. 519. 
Briti-h. a brush with, 286. 
British fleet, capture of, 320. 



534 



Index. 



Broadstreet, John, 24. 

Brock, Gen., 210, 212, 216, 217, 
218, 220, 221, 222, 220, 2.33, 
234, 237, 251, 254, 25G, 204, 
267, 268, 270, 271, 272, 273, 
275, 42;3 ; to Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer, 2.33 ; killed, 268. 

Brock, Isaac, 215, 2.50 ; to Gen. 
Van Rensselaer, 250. 

Brook, 110. 

Brook, Col., 2.31. 

Broom, Mr., 127. 

Broome, Caroline, 897. 

Brown, Doctor, 220, 223. 

Brown, Gen., 179, 224, 344. 

Brown, Hubbard, 54. 

Brown, Jacob, 362. 

Brown, Mr., 192. 

Brown, Mrs . Senator, 353. 

Brush, Adjutant, 418. 

Brush, Mr., 355. 

Brush, Captain, 222. 

Brush, John, 364. 

Bucktails, democrats and fede- 
ralists, .338. 

Buell, Major, 119. 

Buel, Gen. Nath., 55. 

Bull fight, a, 514, 515. 

Bunch, Mr., 448, 465. 

Burgoyne, Gen., 48, 59, 60, 61, 
63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72. 

Burke, 445, 446. 

Burlington, Vt., 407, 408. 

Burr, Aaron, 112, 186, 193,402. 

Butler, Col. Thomas, 140, 141, 
142, 143, 144 ; to Capt. Van 
Rensselaer, 143. 

Butler, Lieut. Col., 145. 



Cady, Daniel, 402. 
Cady, John VV., 402. 
Calhoun, John C, 145, .338, 362, 

368, 370, 378, 383, 402, 409, 

430. 
Cambreleng, C. C, 368. 
Cambrelling, vice president, 

387. 
Campaign, journal of, 194. 
Campbell, 375. 
Campbell, Archibald, 368. 
Campbell, Captain, 103. 
Campbell, Captain 11. M. to 

Captain Van Rensselaer, 

96. 
Campbell, Capt. E. Ms., 94, 

96, 112, 188. 
Campbell, C'ol., 499, 503, 504, 

505, 532. 
Campbell, Samuel, 368, 389. 
Canada, invasion of, 253 ; fail- 
ure of, '^9. 
Canajoharic, 402. 
Canal ball, grand, 428. 
Carleton, Gen . , 46, 47, 
Carelton, Gov., 48. 
Carleton, Sir Guy, 53. 
Carnival, the feast of, 467. 
Carr, 525, 526. 
Carr, D. O., 521. 
Carr, Lieut., 273. 
Curr, the Virginian, 501 . 
Carter, 522, 526. 
Carter, N. H ., 357 ; to Solomon 

Van Rensselaer, .357. 
Carthagena, a glance at, 443- 

448. 
Case, Col., 222. 
Case, Cornelius G. V. R., 427. 
Case, Walter, 338. 
Cassiu, Capt., .520. 
Castillo, President, 524. 
Catharine, 10. 
Cato, a colored servant, 444 ; 

falls into the river, 495. 



Center, Capt., 411. 

Challenge from Peter B. Porter 
to Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer, 287. 

Chamberling, 375. 

Champion, 36. 

Champlain, John, 170. 

Chandler, Gen., 301. 

Chapin, Dr. Cyrenius, 284, 825 ; 
to Col. Van Rensselaer, 
2S4. 

Charlotte, Queen, 2-32. 

Chester, Rev. Dr., 419, 436. 

.Chipman, Dr. Daniel, 220. 

Christening, a, in South Ame- 
rica, 465. 

Christie, Lieut. Col., 248, 249, 
254, 255, 256, 260, 266, 273, 
286. 

Chrystie, Col., 252, 253. 

Church, Mr., 127, 

Church, Mr. and Mrs., 116. 

Church, Mrs., 118. 

Church, Mrs. John C, 115. 

Citizens of Albany to post 
master general. 

Clark, Robert, 378. 

Clarkson, Capt., 126. 

Clarksou, Gen. M., 335, 411. 

Claus, D., note from, 17. 

Claus, Santa, 5, 6. 

Clay, Mr. Henry, 287, 297, 299, 
339. 354, 356, 360, 362, 364, 
365, 402, 405, 406, 408, 409, 
415, 420, 431, 445 ; to Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer, 405. 

Clinch, Abraham, 75. 

Clinton, 487. 

Clinton, Charles A., 377, 381, 
417,418,419, 472; to Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer, 377, 
381,472. 

Clinton, Col., 418. 

Clinton, DeWitt, 168, 187, 306, 
311, 320, 328, 330, 331, 334, 
338, 349, 352, 354, 364, 3()7, 
368, 386, 398, 399, 400, 406, 
414, 419, 420, 421, 325, 435 ; 
to Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer, 349, 352, 355, 358. 359, 

362, 363, 369, 374, 380; a 
grand reception to, 420 ; 
visits Ohio, 419; death of, 
435 ; honors at funeral of, 
4:J6. 

Clinton, Gen. James, 455. 
Clinton, Gov., 328, 329, 8.31, 
352, 355, 3'S7; 358, 359, 362, 

363, 369, 374, 380, 402, 426, 
427, 436 ; to Gen . Talmadge, 
328 ; to Solomon Van Rens- 
selaer. 

Clinton, Gov. and lady, 429. 
Clinton, Gov. George, 73, 81, 

88, 112, 154, 157, 161, 188, 

344, 367. 
Clinton, Henry, 68. 
Clinton, Lady, the canal barge, 

425. 
Clinton, Major, 3.59. 
Clinton, Mr , 341, 40.5, 409, 416. 
Clinton, Mjs. DeVVilt, 425. 
Coftin, Col., 262. 
Coklen, Cadwallader D., 368, 

405. 
Colden, Col., 321. 
Golden, Gen., 487. 
Colden, Mr., 428. 
Coldwell, Mr. James, 158. 
Coles, Mr., 322. 
Collier, Col. James, 260. 
Collins, James, 93. 
Colonial History, 2.5, 58, 
Colombia, disembarkation at, 

445 ; description of, 440. 



Commerce steamboat, 425. 
Compromise, the Missonri, 

344. 
Comstock. Mr., 299. 
Confusion, political, 345, 
Congressional talk, 305, 308. 
Congress, members of, 368. 
Congress, representatives of 

"New York in, 338. 
Conkling, 419. 
Conkling, Alfred, 368, 405, 421, 

428,424, 425; to Solomon 

Van Rensselaer, 402, 404. 
Conversation, thoughtles8,531. 
Cook, Captain, S32. 
Cook, Johnny, 300, 
Cook, Lieut. Job, 55. 
Cook, Mr., 252, 256. 
Cooper, Col., 414, 415, 418. 
Cooper^Col. J. T., 418. 
Cooped Dr. Charles D., 169, 

170, 190. 
Cooper, Gen., 167. 
Cooper, Miss, 124. 
Cooper, Mrs., 167, 179. 
Cordova, Gen., 531 . 
Cordova, the friend of liberty, 

523. 
Cornplanter, the Seneca chief, 

205. 
Cornwallis, Gen., 58. 
Cortlandt Catharine V., 45. 
Countryman, a, on the plains 

of the south, 501. 
Covington, 110. 
Covington, Capt., 119. 
•Covington, Lieut. L., 94. 
Cowards conduct, a, 5.30. 
Cranmer's co-martyr, a pater- 
nal ancestor, 11. 
Crawf(3rd, 378, 402, 409, 415, 

416. 
Crawford, Mr., 383. 
Crawford, William, .338. 
Crawford, William H., 368. 
Crittenden, J. J., 317. 
Cumberland Line, 130-150. 
Cuming, Mr. James, 75. 
Gushing, Thomas H., 155. 
Cushman, Joshua, 398, 399. 
Custis, Mr., 277. 
Custis, Mrs., 86. 
Custom house, 483. 
Customs, Spanish, 445. 
Cuyler, How, 225. 
Cuyler, James, 116, 117; to 

Capt. Van Rensselaer, 116. 
Cuyler, Major, 223, 232, 246; 

death of, 246, 247. 
Cuyler, Mr., 232. 
Cuyler, Mr. Henry, 108. 
Cuyler, Mr. Jacob. 42, 82. 
Cuyler, William Howe, 247 ; to 

Colonel Van Rensselaer, 

232. 



Daniel Hale to Philip Van 
Rensselaer. 71. 

Davis, Dr., 487; to Solomon 
Van Rensselaer, 507. 

Davis, M., 400. 

Davis, Major, 487. 

Davis, Wm. M.,506. 

DeAleazer, Buenaventura, 450. 

Dearborn, 194, 214; to Gen. 
Van Rensselaer, 214. 

Dearborn, Gen., 200, 204, 205, 
206, 208, 209, 212, 213, 214, 
215, 216, 221, 225, 231, 2;«, 
236, 239, 241, 244, 245, 251, 
272. 276, 280, 297, 308, 310, 
314, 319. 

DeCastro, Diego, 474, 479. 



Index. 



535 



Decatur, Com . , 351 ; duel of, 
with Hurron, 350, 351 ; 
death, 351. 
Defeated, 250. 
Deltiipe of Geu. Ilarrison, 

526-530. 
Deforest, Major, .333. 
DeGratV, Uazuiia, 13. 
DeGrafl; Mr. Ju»bo, 74. 
DeKay, Coininodore, 522,524. 
Duhiplaiue, Joseph, 400: to 
Solomon Vau Keusaelaer, 
400. 
DeniiiM, Capt. J., 265 ; to Gen. 

Van UensKclaor, 265. 
Dennit^ton, :iVJ. 
Ueniii^ton, Garrit, 3f)8. 
Dennifton, l^aac, 168. 
Denuiston, Mr. G. V., 345. 
Detroit, Mieh., city of, 211, 424. 
Detroit, speech of the mayor 

of, 123. 
De\\ ilt. (iov., 154. 
DeWiit, Jacob H., 3.38, 360. 
DeWiti Major R., 418. 
DeWitt, K. v., 486. 
Dewitt. Simeon, 170, 425, 486. 
De.\ter, Samuel, 152, 153, 154, 
155; to William 11. Van 
Kensselaer, 155. 
Diary, extracts from, 136, 140, 

141, 142. 
Dickenson, Julia, 504. 
Dickerson, Mr., 51. 
Dickinson, 370. 

Dickinson, John D., 338, 341, 
361, 368, 379, 386. 3il2, 393, 
397 ; to Solomon Van Kens- 
selaer, 392, 397. 
Dickson, Mr., 208. 
Dinner, diiilomatic, 505. 
Uinsmoor, Mr., 145. 
Ditches used for fences, 503. 
Dix, John A., 156; his famous 

order, 156. 
Dobbins, Col., 279. 
Dod!,'e, Gen., 214. 
Doglierty, Capt., 219. 
Doniran, Thomas. 5. 
Dou^'hcrty, W. W., 393. 
Douw, Cornelius, 57* 
Douw, Mr., 126. 
Douw, Mrs., 126. 
Douw, Petrus, Capt., 32. 
Douw, Volkert P., 57. 
Dow, Elisha, ;!81. 
Dox, Captain, 264, 265, 268, 269. 
Dox, Garn.'t, 3:i8. 
Duane, Col., 172. 
Dudley, Charles E., 863, 371, 
374, 379, :iH4, :j)S5, 406, 455 ; 
mayor of Albany, 374 ; to 
M. Van Hureii, ;ifil. 
Dudley, Mr,, 341, 373, 381, 382. 
Duel, a, proposed and frus- 
trated, 289-292 ; between 
Smyth and Porter, 284-285. 
Ducr, Col. William, 78. 
Duer, William, 116. 
Dner, Wm. A., .3.57, 4:J5, 
Duke, John, of Marlborough, 

128. 
Duncan, 110. 
Dunn, Geo. II., 94. 
Dwight, Col. Joseph. 18. 
Dyson, Capt., 23;3, 234. 
Dyson, Samuel T., extract 
Irom letter of, 233. 



Earthquake, destructive, 477. 
Editor, Mr., 285. 
Egberts, Aunt, 54. 
Eights, br. James, 414, 418. 
Ellicott, Capt., 351. 



Elliott, Benjamin. 268. 
Elliott, Col., 412; to Solomon' 

Van Kensse'aer, 412. 
Elliott, Lieut. Jesse D., 246, 

247. 
Elliott, Mr. Robert, 109, 370, 

;i82, 412. 
ElmenOorf, Mrs., 140. 
Elmendorf, Peter, 116, 119. 
Elmendorf, Peter E., 68. 
Elsie, 10, 

Elsworth, Lieut. Peter, 55. 
Ely, Isaac M., 366, 367. 
Emerson, Mrs., 24. 
Emmet, Mr., 1(>5. 
Emmet, Thomas Addis, 166. 
England and France, war re- 

"^uewed between, 19. 
Erie Canal, celebration, 42-1- 

429 : opening of the, 406. 
Erwin, John, 23. 
European trip, 109-130. 
Eustis, William, 258. 
Evens, Gen., 218. 
Evens, Major, 210, 250, 252, 

269. 
Ewing, Thomas, 420. 
Excursions in the country, 

449-454. 



Fairlie, James, 85. 

Fandango, the, 466, 

Fay, John, 3;J8. 

Fayette, De La, 411, 412 ; Gen., 
413. 

Federalism, triumph of, 184. 

Fenwick, Col., 212, 214. 225, 
226, 227, 229, 231, 232, 2;», 
248, 2-19, 250, 2.^, 257, 259, 
2ti8, 275, 276, 2X8, :J25. 

Fenwick, Col. Jno. It., 317; 
to Col. Solomon Vau Rens- 
selaer, 317. 

Fenwick to Gen. Van Rensse- 
laer. 235. 

Ferris, Benj , 366, .367 . 

Fever and a^ue, 505. 

Fish, Cant., 448. 

Fish, Col., 33.5. 

Fisk, Mr.,299. 

Fish, peculiar, 493. 

Fisher, Christopher, 66. 

Fishkil, 81. 

Flemming, Col., 203. 

Flores, President Geu., 441. 

Fonda, David, Rl. 

Fonda Jellis, 83. 

Fonda, Mrs., 119. 

Ford, Capt., 140, 333. 

Ford, Wm., .3:«. 

Ford, Wm. D., 352. 

Foreigners become rich, 474. 

Fonnan, Samuel S., 211. 

Forncv, Col., 464. 

FortChanibly (illustrated), 46. 

Fort George, head quarters at, 
23:J. 

Fort Greenville. 110. 

Fort Hamilton, 96. 

Fort Massac, 95. 

Fort Orange, 7; changed to 
Albany. 8. 

Fort Oswego, 11.5, 146; sur- 
render of, 146. 

Fort Washington, 110 ; merry 
making at, 13S. 

Fort Wavne, 110. 

Fowler, Mr., 3-14, 345. 

Francis, Col., t>0. 

Francis, Dr.. 331. 

Franklin. Heniamin, 81, 403. 

Franks, Mr. .Vlnses, 24. 

Frazer, Gen., iiO. 65. 

Frederick, Col., 73. 



Freeman, 433. 

Freeman, Capt., 28. 

French Uevolution, 161. 

Frothingham, Richard. 76 ; to 
Philip Van Rensselaer, 76 

Fruit, tropical, 4S9. 

Frvcr, Capt. John. .38. 

Fulton, Robert, 1K3. 

Funeral, a, in Spanish Ame- 
rica, 4(57. 

Fusugazuga, the belles of, 513. 



Gage, General, .55. 
Gales, a mischief maker, 806. 
Gansevoort, Col., 77. 311. 
Gausevoort, General, 81, 82, 
1.51; death of, 193; to 
Philip Van Rensselaer, 81. 

Gansevoort, John, 286. 

Gansevoort, Leonard, jr., 10, 
11. 

Gansevoort, Lieut., 232, 253, 
254, 258, 263, 273. 

Gansevoort, Maria, 12.3, 129. 

Gansevoort, Peter, 46, 193, 
338, 365, 395, :W6, 486. 

Gardenier, Mr. Barent,, 187. 

Gates, Geu., 66, 67, 68, 77, 141, 
186. 

Gates, John, a34. 

Gebherd, John, .368. 

Geddes. Judge, 422. 

Gelston, David, 112. 

General Orders, 193. 225, 235, 
332. 

Genet, Citizen, makes a state- 
ment of his puri)()ses, 102, 
164 ; unwarrantable con- 
duct of, 100 ; marries a 
daughter of Gov. Clinton, 
161 ; his political etlbrts, its. 

Geuet, Edmuud C, 164, 166, 
171. 

Genet, Mr., 160, 161, 162, 174, 
175. 

Georgetown, D. C, 402. 

Gibson, Wood, Fenwick, .324. 

Giles, Gen.,321,3:)5. 

Gilston, David, 165. 

Glen, Capt. Alexander, 13, 15. 

Glen, Captain, 13, 14, 15. 

Gleu, Catharine, Miss, 149. 

Glen, Col. Jacob. 12. 

Glen, Edward. 442. 446, 453, 
454, 456, 470, 476, 487, 498. 

Gleu, lienry, 56. 

Glen, Jacob S., 433. 

Glen. John, 12, 75, 88, 440,453 
456, 461, 402, 465, 472, 478 
474. 477, 478, 

Glen, John, jr., 12. 

Glen, Messrs., 439. 

Glen, Mr., 146, 4(M), 485. 

Glon, Mrs. Jacob S., 74, 463. 

Godwin, Capt., 46. 

Gofts, Col., :« 

Gold. Thomas R., 170. 

Gooduig. Mr., 516. 

Gorhain, 402. 

Gorman, Will. 98. 

Governeur, Mr., 82. 

Government, jealousy, 530-531. 

Gracey, Mr., 3.5!^. 

Gray, Gen., 135. 

Gray. Mr., 290. 

Green, Geu., 80. 

Greenvilltk letter from. Hi- 
Gregory, Matthew, 327, 334, 
412. 

Gridleys, Mr. Isack, 28. 

Groesbeck, Ed., *«. 

(iross, Ezra C.. 3;W. 

Grosvenor. Capt. Seth, 182. 

Grosvenor, Thomas P., 316. 



536 



Index. 



Hackley, Aaron, 388. 
Haiijcs, Chas. G., ;355, 366. 
307 ; to Solomou Van Rens- 
selaer, 354, 358, 364. 
Hale, Dauiel, 55, 71, 156 ; issues 
commission to Solomon 
Van Rensselaer as A. G. 
of the state, 156. 
Hale, George, 221. 
Hall, A., 247; to Gen. Van 

Rensselaer. 346. 
Hall, Gen., 245, 246, 287, 291. 
Hall, Geo., 338. 
Hall. Major, 373. 
Hall, Major Gen., 242. 
Hamer, Lt., 46. 
Hamilton, 404. 

Hamilton, Alexander, 190 ; to 
secretary of war, 152 ; birth 
and descent of, 149. 
Hamilton, Col., 79, 153. 
Hamilton, Gen., 147, 148, 149, 

152, 153, 193, 412. 
Hamilton, Judge, 266. 
Hammond, Mr., 404. 
Hamtramak, Col., 111. 
Hamtramck, Col. JohnF., 109, 
110. , 

Hardin, Colonel, 95. 
Harmer, 422 . 
Harmer, General, 111. 
Harrison, 110. 

Harrison, Carter, 455, 503, 525. 
Harrison, Gen., 220, 245, 310, 
416, 438, 439, 445, 453, 454, 
401, 463, 464, 472, 475, 498, 
500, 501, 503, .504, 506, 507, 
508, 510, 512, 515, 516, 517, 
520, 521, 524, 525, 526, 527, 
538, 530. 
Harrison, Gen. William H,, 91, 
101, 437, 470; to Solomou 
Van Rensselaer, 436 ; ap- 
pointed minister to Co- 
lombia, 437; news of his 
removal, 499; accused of 
corresponding with the 
rebels, 525. 
Harrison, Lt., 46. 
Hart, Herman V., 486. 
Hart, Col. John, 21. 
Haskill, Major, 119. 
Hattie, 1 ; request of, for a 
chronicle of Aunt Cuy's 
life experiences, 1 . 
Hawkins, Col., 145, 316. 
Hawks, 375. 

Hawks, James, 368, 389. 
Haxton, Gov., 158. 
Hayloy, 36. 

Hazard, Adjutant, 418. 
Hempstead, Isaac. 327. 
Hen(ferson, Col., 373. 
Henderson, Consul, 504, 505. 

522, 531. 
Henderson, Gen., 530. 
Henderson, James, 524, 531, 

532. 
Henderson, Miss Fanny, 531. 
Henderson, reprimanded, 505. 
Hendrick, 10. 19, 27. 
Hendrick, General, 58. 
Hendrick, King, 25. 
Hendrickson, Capt., 418. 
Henry, James M., 125. 
Henry, John V., 85. 158. 
Henry, Major Suaton P., 418. 
Henry, William M,„ 29. 
Herkimer, Gen., 69, 70, 72. 
Hcrran, Gen., 523. .524. 
Hewett Lieut., 288. 
Hewit, Lieut. 219. 
Hews, Major, 109. 
lleyden, V. D., 373. 
Heyward, Dr.,103. 



Hill, Capt. Thomas, 19. 

Hill, Schuyler, 335. 

Hobart, Bishop, 335. 

Hodgdon, Samuel to Capt. 
Van Rensselaer, 147. 

Hoffman, Gen., 487. 

Hoffman, Mr. Martin, 146. 

Hogeboom, John C, 188. 

Hogs, a glimpse at wild, 481. 

Hole, a fearful, 511. 

Holland, news from, 119, 120. 

Holmes, Capt., 75. 

Homestead at Cherry Hill, 131. 

Hones, Gen., 487. 

Honeywood, Mr., 200. 

Hopkins, Mr., 299. 

Horses, sure footed, 509. 

Hosack, Dr., 331. 

Houdin, Mr., 120. 

Houghtaling, Wm. D., 393. 

Howe, Gen., 135. 

Howe, Judge, 369, 374, 381. 

Howell, 352. 

Hubbard, Thomas, 23, 28, 30. 

Hubbard Thomas H., 368, 375, 
389. 

Hudson, Henry, 6 ; expedition 
to Albany, by, 6 ; turned 
adrift on the ocean, 7. 

Hughs, W., 68. 

Hugonin, Lieut., 263. 

Hull, Capt. Wm., 57, 58, 229, 
277. 

Hull, Gen. William, 58, 203, 
204, 205, 206, 208, 210, 211, 
212, 213, 214, 21,5, 217, 219, 
231, 222, 223, 224, 231, 2;M, 
252, 296, 297, 313, 314, 423 ; 
surrender ot, 215; sen- 
tenced to be shot, 314, 
317; pardoned by Pres. 
Madison, 314. 

Humphrey, Chauncey, 455. 

Humphrey, Major, 412, 413. 

Humphrey, Mr., 26. 

Hun, Abraham, 129. 

Hunt, A., 96. 

Hunt, Mr., 93, 102. 

Hunting, 459; scene, when, 
and unexpected game, 492. 

Huntingdon, 211. 

Huntington, Gen., 305, 315. 

Huntington, Mr., 227. 

Hutchinson, Gov., 38, 39. 

Hutton, Mr., 178. 



Incidents and events of the 
revolution, 77-78. 

Indians, warfare, barbarities 
of, 262; Catholic priest es- 
capes from, 13 ; trade and 
manufactures of, 482 ; long 
knives, 101 . 

Inglis, Mrs., 504, 505. 

Intrepidity, conspicuous, 263. 

Ish, 3, 4. 

Isha, 3, 4. 



Jackson, 409, 411, 415, 404, i>26. 
Jackson, Andrew, 302, 463; 

anecdote of, 463; election 

of, for pres. U. S., 463. 
Jackson, General, 40, 410, 416, 

431, 470. 
Jackson, Major, 86. 
Jackson, Minister, 302. 
Jacki^n, President, 485. 
JacoDs, Capt.. 201. 262. 
James, William, 107, 181, 486. 
Jay, Gov., 148. 154, 155, 188, 

367 ; to secretary of war, 

154. 



Jay, John, .52, 81, 105, 108, 156; 

as a successful negotiator, 

105; elected governor of 

New York, 105. 
Jefferson, Mr., 384. 
Jefferson, President, 192. 
Jeffreys, George, 21 . 
Jenkins, 182, 306. 
Jenkins, ('apt. Ira, 326. 
Jenkins, Colonel, 413. 
Jenkins, Elisha, 162, 165, 169. 
Jenkins, Mr., 173, 174, 175, 176, 

189, 190. 
Jenkins, Mrs. Elisha, 168. 
Jenkins, Robert, 518. 
Jennings, Capt., 224. 
Jeremias, 10. 
Joans, John, 68. 
Johannes, 14 
Johnson, 27, 223. 
Johnson, Col., 341, 380, 397, 

402, 410. 
Johnson, Col. John, 74. 
Johnson, Gen., 19, 27. 
Johnson, John, 71, 72. 
Johnson, John B., 152. 
Johnson, Mr. John, 83. 
Johnson, Richard M., 409. 
Johnson, Robert, 382. 
Johnson, Sir John, 15, 41 ; 

marches up the Mohawk 

valley, 83. 
Johnson, Sir William, 8, 23, 

24, 25. 27, 29, 327. 
Joiney, Corporal, 141. 
Jones, Capt., 111. 
Jones, Capt. Daniel, 82. 
Jones, Colonel. 419. 
Jones, David, 65. 
Jones, Gen., 487. 
Josiah, Capt., 75. 
Journey by boat, 477. 
Joy, Arad, 269. 
Judson, Capt., 326, 333. 
Juliet, M.,445. 



K.ane, M., 119,126. 

Kane, Mr. James, 170. 

Kane, Mrs., 119, 126. 

Kearney, Lieut., 263, 273. 

Keen, Capt., 28. 

Keller, Gen., 230. 

Kelly, Mr., 445. 

Kent, James, 3;n, 307, 368. 

Kidd, Capt., 6. 

Kilian, 10. 

King, 372, .378. ■ 

King, A.. 3.57. 

King, Charles, 321 . 

King, Mr., 301, 345, 373, 375, 
380,395.897. 

King, Mr. Rufus. 165, 166, 268, 
321, 328, :i38, 341, 381, 387, 
388,389, 393; an oracle of 
democracy, 301 ; to Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer, 338. 

Kinsella, 445. 

Kingston, Co!., 65. 

Kirkland, Joseph, 368. 

Kirkland, Lieut. P. H. Van 
Valkenburgh, 418. 

Knickerbocker, Col., 332, SU. 

Kiii(kt>rl)()Cker, Diodrich, 3. 

Kni(kerl)i)cker, Herman, 191, 
300, 333, 4:^3. 

Knower, Beuj., 368. 

Kuower, Mr.,374, 376, 385. 

Kuowlton, Col. Lieut., 418. 

Knox, Gen., 68, 76, 80, 91, 92, 
93; to Capt. Rodgers, 92 ; 
Henry to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 91. 

Knoxvllle, 140, 114. 

Kortright, Miss, 353. 



Index. 



537 



La Batte, Monsienr. 445. 

Lacy, litiv. Mr., 431. 

Lu Fayette, (ioiicral, 271, 417, 
418, 4l!t ; Marquis de, visit 
to the lluiteil States, 411- 
415; travelrt ttirough tlio 
state.s, 417 ; escorted to 
Albany, 414 ; escort to, 
orders concerning', 417; de- 
parture of, 418, 410. 

La Grau^'e, Lieut. Colonel, 333. 

Laidlie, Miss, 116. 

Lanit), Colc.nel John, 42. 

Landniarlvs, ancient, 9. 

Lane. Colonel, .333. 

Lansing,', 371. 

Liiusinj,', Abraham A., 10. 

.Lausin;;:, .Vbrahain Q., aS, 48(i. 

Lansinjj, Abraliain .Jacobs, 28. 

Lausint,', Captain, .')34. 

Lansin<;, Ca|)t. Ten Eyck, 3;J3. 

Lansin-;, Chancellor, 372, 375, 
377, aso. 

Laiisiui,', G. Y., 480. 

Lausiut;, J. jr., 62. 

Lansin;;, John, 327, 3!)0, 396. 

Lansintr, Maj(»r S., 167. 

Lansin;;, Sanders, 85. 

Lansing, tlie Misses, 518. 

La Travasea, 481. 

Lawrence, (/'aplain, 2.55, 260. 

Lawyer, John, 17. 

Layman, Messrs, .349. 

Leaders, distrusted, 284. 

Lebanon S|)rinf^s, 418. 

Lee, General, M. 

Lee, Mr., 78. 

Lee, \V. A., 95, 98. » 

Legacy, the, why bequeathed, 

Leidersdorf, 526. 

Leonard, Captain, 206, 227, 2.32, 
2:i5, 2.53. 269, 270 ; to Gen. 
Van Kensselaer, 270. 

Lerano, Israel, 68. 

Leroy, Jacob, 112, .366, 367. 

Letter, otlicial, 256. 

Letters from Geu. Ilarrison, 
498. 

Letters from home, 461. 

Letters, old, throw a flood of 
light, 3«1. 

Lewis, 110. 

Lewis, Andrew, 136. 

Lewis, Col. Charles, im. 

Lewis, General, 2;J1, 310, 319, 
:i28, 339 : to Sol. Van Kens- 
selaer, 328. 

Lewis, Governor, 68, 157, 158, 
1.5S, 162, 171, 187, 280, 367, 
471. 

Lewis, Morgan, 170, 185, 186, 
412; to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer, 185. 186, 187, 339. 

Lewis, Samuel, 334. 

Lewis. Thomas, 109. 

Lewiston, 211, 213, 21.5, 219, 
2->(), 221, 225, 228, 229; 
gloomy stale of ali'uirs at, 

2;n. 

Lexington, Kentucky, 1.38. 
Liberty and equably, 160. 
Libre, .\ntonio, 473. 
Lingiin. General, 282. 
Litchiield, Elijah, 368, 389. 
Little Turtle the Miami Chief, 

103. 
Livingston, 8. 5:j, 371, .37.3, mi. 
Livingston, Chancellor, 411. 
Livingston, Col. llarry, 331, 

413. 
Livingston, Col. Lewis, 330. 
Livingston, Colonel, 76, 2<.t6, 

:W1,334. 
Livingston, Dr. John II., 112. 



Livingston, Edward, 86, 485, 
486. 

Livingston, General, .352. 

Livingston, James, 43, 44. 

Livingston, John U., 271. 

Livingston, John W., 295. 

Livingston, Judge. 159. 

Livingston, .Mr., 51, 375, 376, 
46.3, 470, 471. 

Livingston, Mr. Walter, 50, 57, 

Livingston. Philip, 40. 

Livingston, Robert, L., 413. 

Lockwood, Mr., 49. 

Long, Colonel, (K), 61, 62. 

Lott, Abraham P., 52, 51. 

Lott, Mrs. , 34. 

Lovell, Capt., 139., 

Lovell, Mr.. 124. 

Lovett. John, 196, 197, 199, 200, 
20:j, 207, 20'l, 219, 221, 229, 
•£H\ 243, 2(W, 269, 271, 272, 
274, 276, 2,S0, 281. 28:i, 293, 
298, 300, 301, 302, .303, 305, 
314, 315. 316, 319, 32:3, 325, 
3.35, .3.36 ; to Abraham Van 
Vechten, 229, ; to Joseph 
Alexander, 196, 199, 2(11, 
20:i, 205, 218, 228, 236, 2-12, 
243, 266, 273, 275, 278, 303 ; 
to Solemou Southwick, 
293; to Sol Van Rens- 
selaer, :M5. 314, 315, 316, 
.319, 32,3, 32.5; to A. Van 
Vech'.en, 271 ; locates at 
Port Mcig*i, .336; loses his 
hearing, 2.52 ; his battery, 
2.52 ; elected to Congress, 
283; portrait of, .324; death 
of. m>. 

Lovett, Major, 201, 205« 220, 
228, 236, 212. 255, 256, 266, 
273, 275, 278, 291, 292. 

Lovett, Mr., 195, 217, 248, 252, 

- 2i>4, 295, 2i»7, :M8. 

Lovett, Mrs., 237. 

Love well. Col., 29, 31. 

Lovewell, Col. Zecheus, 28. 

Lowder, Mr., 136. 

Lowrio, 402. 

Ludlow, Messrs., 55. 

Ludlow, Air., 39. 

Ludlow, Mrs., 126. 

Ludlow, Rev. Dr., 4.36. 

Ludlow, Wra. H., 10. 

Lush, Major, 255, 258, 26:3, 273, 
286. 

Lush. Stephen, 266, 268, 327, 
3:34, 11.3. 

Lush, William, 213. 

Lust, Col., 151. 

Lyman, General, 19, 27. 

Lyman, Joseph S., 3.38. 



Macconnel, Jas., 98. 

Mackea, Capt. \S'm., 130; to 
Capt. Van Rensselaer, 1.30. 

Macomb, Robert, 295 ; to Solo- 
mon Southwick, 295. 

Macon, 410. 

MacPherson, J., 516. 

MacPherson, R. H.. 193. 

.McArthur, Col., 222. 

Mccarty, Richard, akS, 389. 

McCbesuey, Capt., 273. 

Mce'lalleu. John. 151. 

McClean, John, 42 

McClelland. Capt... 3132. 

McClurc, (Jen.. 410. 

McCoinb, Mr. John, 296. 

McCrea, Jane, t)5. 

McDonald, Col., 252, 267, 274. 

McDonald, John. .37. 

McDonell, Col., 218, 271, 273. 

McElroy, Sam., 203. 



McEvers, Miss Mary. 86. 

McGea, Mr. William, 51. 

Mcllenry. James, 125, 1.32, 147, 
148, 1,53 ; to Capt. Van 
Rensselaer, 182, 147. 

McKennty, 110. 

McKesson, John, 41, 57. 

McKinstry, Capt. John, 53. 

McKown, James, 341, 351, 352, 
370. 379, ;381, 415 ; to Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer, 351, 
870. 

McLean, John, 168, 4.30, 4.31, 
470, 471 ; to Sol. Van Rons- 
eelaer, 4.30, 431, 470. 

McNaughten, Dr. James, 
serious accident to, 519. 

McPherson, 4-16. 

McPher^on, Captain, 48. 

Aladison, 416. 

Madison, James, 301. 

Madison, Mr., 2:31, 294, 297, 300, 
:314. 

Madison, Mrs., .307. 

:Madisi)n, President. 193. 

Magdaleua, expenses of boat- 
ing on the, 488. 

Mahar, 455. 

Malcolm. Captain. 258, 263. 

Mallay, James, 269. 

Man, Isaac, 52. 

Mapes, Jonas, 366, 367, 

Marching orders, 132. 

Marcy, Major, ;3:33. 

Marcy, Wm. L., :367. 

Marlborough, Duke of, 128; 
his magnificent i)ark, 128. 

Marquee, G(Mieral, 2:J7. 

Marriage, 131 ; an extraordi- 
nary, 84 . 

Marshall, John, 368. 

Marshall, Mr., 150; speech of, 
151. 

Martin, Mr., 82. 

Martinez, Colonel, 503, 504. 

Mason, Rev. Dr., 335. 

Masters, P., 352. 

Maumee, battle of, 102. 

Mead, Mr., .3:33. 

Mediums of commerce with 
the Indians, 9. 

Meeting, republican, .391 ; fede- 
ral; .39(j. 

Meigs, Henrv. :3-38. 

Meigs, J., :3^l"9. :368, .371. 

Meigs, Mr., 376. •3yO. :J8;3. .3!M. 

Meigs, Return J., :378, :379, 388, 
389, 3!t0, :392; narrow 
escape of, 379, :380 ; to Vice 
President and M. Van 
Buren, .392. 

Meigs, R. J., jr., order from, 
appointing postmaster at 
Albany. 379. 

Mercer, 402. 

Merchant, George, 165. 

Military, movements of, 194, 
1S«> : orders and letters of, 
19, 24. 

Militia, cowardice of, 255, 256. 

Miller, General, 279. 

Miller, Morris S, 315, 350, 359. 

Miller, Mrs. Catharine, 89. 

Miller, Mrs. Mary R., 158. 

Miller. Peter. 134 . 

Mills, Captain, 92. 

Mintuni. Benj, G., 366, 367. 

Miranda, 52:3, 527. 

Missouri, adinisbion of, ae a 
state, 365; coni|)romi8e, 
3M; constitution, 354, 356, 
360. 

Misunderstanding between 
Heiiderstm and C-ol. Camp- 
bell, 504. 



588 



Index. 



MitcLell.Lient. Colonel, 325. 

]«itci ill. l;(.it<>r. 428. 

Witcbill, biiiiiuel L., 338. 

Wohawk Indians, and their 
Customs, 12. 

Monipox. deecription of, 484. 

Monroe, James, 268, 338, 389, 
416. 

Monroe, Mr., 383 386. 

Monroe, President. 352, 361, 
381. 406 ; administration 
of, 381. 

Montcalm, General, 146. 

Montgomery, Captain, 63, 64. 

Montgomery, General, 43, 44, 
46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 14(t, 193 
332, 333, 335, 414 : his re- 
mains removed from Que- 
bec, 330; honors paid to 
remains of, 333, 335. 

Montgomery, Mrs. Richard, 
413. 

Montgomery, Eichard, 323, 
330, 331, 334. 335 ; honors, 
324. 

Moniibello, Duke of, 503, 508, 
510. 

Montillo, General, 445, 457. 
477, 516. 

Mooney, Captain, 63, 65. 

Moore, Colonel, 526, 526 ; pre- 
sentation of, 524. 

Moore, General, 345. 

Moore Major, 506. 

Moore, Major Thomas P., 
522, 52;i 524. 

Moore, Minister Thomas P., 
arrival of, 520, 522. 

Moore, Mr., 470, 471. 487, 520, 
521, 524, 530. 

Moore, Thomas, 235. 

Morgan, 375. 379. 

Morgan, Colonel, 66. 

Morgan, John J., 368. 

Morgan, Major, 195. 

Morrell, Robert, 3.38. 

Morrison, Major, 253, 256, 279. 

Morrow, Jeremiah, 419, 420. 

Morton, General, 332, 487. 

Mosely, Major, 272, 293. 

Mountainous regions, .511. 

Mount Hope, sold, 132 ; the 
farm ol, i)ro8pectively in 
the me on, 324. 

Mount Vernon, 147. 

Mower, J. B., 409, 410; to 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, 
4U9. 

Muhlenberg, Gen , 86. 

Mullauy, J. R.. 250; to Gen. 
Van Rensselaer, 250. 

Mullany, Major, 253, 257, 263, 
268. 

Myers, Capt., 195. 

Myers, Col., 209, 210, 237. 
Myers, Major, 211. 



Naples and Mount Vesuvius, 
account of, 346, 347, 348, 
349. 

Newman, Col,, 325. 

New York, defense of, 320; 
officers of government of, 
338, 368; church record, 
marriage notice, in, 10. 

Nicholas, 10, 49. 

Nicholas, St. , 4, 5, 6 ; day of. 4. 

Nicholson, Mr. Richard R., 
483, .518. 

NicoU, Mr. Harry, 79. 

Noon, Capt. Darby, 296, 297 ; 
an energetic officer, 297. 

North, Gen., 335. 

Norton, Mr., 418. 



Nott, Mr., 152. 
Nugent, Miss, 126. 



Oakley, Gen., 487. 

Oakley, Mr., 299. 

Oakley, Thomas. 356. 

Oakley, Thomas J., ,338. 

Obando, Col.. 523. 531. 

Officers, proposed council of, 
242. 

Ogden, Capt., 48. 

Ogdeu, Mr. Henry, 437. 

Ogdensburgh, 201. 

Ogilvie, Capt., 263, 273. 

O Leary, Gen., 525, 528, 530. 

Olmsted, Capt., .326. 

Oothout, Abraham, 88. 

Oothout, Htnry, 50. 

Oothout, Mr., 33. 

Order appointing Solomon 
Van Rensselaer, major 
general of militia, 330. 

Ormsby, O.. 98. 

Orton, Joseph, 432. 

Osborn, Capt., 418. 

Otis, 402. 



Pacific ocean, veyage across, 

442. 
Padilla, Gen., 440. 
Parish. Mr., 202. 298. 
Parker, Col., 276. 
Parker, Mr., 396, 404. 
Parker, Philip S., 331, .395, 486. 
Patroon, the, to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 341, .350, 355, 
372, 400, 402, 408, 409, 410, 
415. 
Patterson, Walter, 368, 370, 
387, 397 ; to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 387, 397. 
Paulding, Col., 333. 
Pearson, 375. 
Peck, Harmanus, 338. 
Peck, Judge, 257, 267. 
Peirson, Jer. H.,389. 
Pell, Col. Ferris, 331, .358, 359, 
362, 374 ; to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 359. 
Pcfion, Bajo, 480. 
Pepper, Calvin, 4.32. 
Percy, Earl, 270. 
Perry, O. H., 536. 
Peters, Capt., 54. 
Phelu, Miss, 54. 
I'bihulelphia, 147. 
Philip, 10. 

I'liilology, ignorance of, IS. 
Pickens, Gen., 145; marriage 

of, 145. 
Pickering Timothy, 80, 81, 95, 
117, 120, 125; secretary of 
war, 117, 120. 
Pickett, Mr., ,520, 522, 523. 
Pierson, Jeremiah H.. 368. 
Piuekney, General, 147, 148. 
Pinckuey, Thomas, 307; invit- 
ation from, 147. 
Piper, Colonel, 302. 
Piracy, 415. 
Pirates, preparations to meet, 

442. 
Pitcher, Nathaniel, 338, 368, 

389. 
Pittsfield, 418. 
Piatt, Colonel, 411 . 
I'latt, General, 196. 
I'lalt. Jortas, .337, 368. 
Pleasants, Lieut, Isaac, 119. 
Political dishonesty, 307; 
meet ings of federalists and 
democrats, 163-166 ; sur- 
mises, 168, }59. 



Pollard, Wm., 76. 80, 82; to 
Philip A an Rensselaer, 80. 

Porter, Agusius, .314. 

Porter, General, 205, 213, 222, 
230. 231, 232, 279, 284, 2fc5, 
290, 291, 292, 295, 405. 

Porter, Judge, 204, 

Porter, Mr. Augustus B., 317. 

Porter. Peter B., 208. 215, 223, 
227, 231, 244, 287, 288, 289, 
296, 410, 430 : assaults John 
Lovett, 296, 297. 

Posada. Governor, 498. 

Posey, General, 255. 

Posey, John. 96, 98, 112. 

Posey, John Cornet, 112. 

Posey, Lieut. John, 111; to 
Capt. Van Rensselaer, 111. 

Post, Dr.. 331, 403. 

Postmaster general, letter to, 
380; rascally, 352, 357. 

Potomac, the enemy's fleet 
coming up, 305 . 

Preparations for a skirmish, 
526. 

Prescott, General, 48. 

President U. S., petition to,' 
389 

Preston, Capt., .38. 

Preston, General, 48. 

Preston, Major, 47. 

Prevost, General, 317. 

Prevost. George, 320. 

Price, Capt., 46, 119. 

Price, Gen., 50. 

Price, Major, 101 . 

Prideaux, Gen., 29. 

Priol-, 110. 

Prisoners, ajrreement to ex- 
change, 269 ; of war, pro- 
posals to relieve 264. 

Proceedings, hasty sketch of, 
299. 

Proclamation by Gov . Clinton, 
386. 

Productions, tropical, 510. 

Proposals, military. 244, 245. 

Provost, Geo. 211, 214. 

Punta Gorda, 480. 

Putman, Capt., Garret, 74. 

Putman, Victor, 74. 



Qnackenboss, Major, 81. 

Quacketibush, Nicholas, 80. 

(^uaitermaster's book, abstract 
from, 94. 

Queenstown, the hero of 147 ; 
interesting account of at- 
tack on. 249, 260; heights 
of, interesting account of 
military operations at, 260, 
268. 

Qiiincy, Josiah, 38. 

Quincy, Mr., 302. 



Randolph, John, 186. 

Randolph, Lieutenant, 258, 
2()3, 273. 286, 287. 

Randolph, Mr., 339. 

Rathbone, Lieut., 253, 254, 25S, 
263 ; mortally wounded, 
253. 

Ray, Cornelius, 76, 82 ; to Phi- 
lip Van Rensselaer, 75, 76 ; 
tVars the ship Luzerne is 
taken by the enemy, 76 ; 
shipment of tea, 76; for- 
wards bills per snip, 75. 

Ray, Mr., 39, 112, .t>l. 

Ray, Richard, 20, 26, 34. 

Ray, Robert, 31, 40, 41, 52 ; to 
Philip Van Rensselaer, 40, 
51. 



Index. 



639 



Receipts for military supplies, 
94, <)5, 96, 93. 

Recreations in old times, 85. 

Reed. Cant., 12.'). 

Reed, Colonel. 79, 3-i5, 419. 

Return to Albany, 281 . 

Reynolds Joshua. .344. 

Richard. Col., 379. 

Richmond, Jonathan, 338. 

Ride;* amon^ the hills, 517, 518. 

Riedesel, G«!a., (iO. 

River, preparations to cross, 
313. 

Roads dangerous, 498. 

Robbers attacking mail boats, 
510. 

Robert, 2(i. 

Robinson, J., asj. 

Robinson, Josiah, 284. 

Robinson, to Col. Van Rens- 
selaer. 283. 

Rochester. Wm. B., 368, 377, 
378, 3S); to Sol. Van 
Hensselaer, 377. 

Rocliloutaine, Colonel, 124. 

Rodijers, Capt. Jedediah, 92, 
93, 94. 

Rodgers, Com. ..351. 

Rodgers, Dr., 331. 

Kodgers. .Mr., 178. 

RoeloiTesen Catharine,10. 

Roniain as speaker, 373. 

Root, 410. 

Koot, Erastus, 356. 

Root, Mr., tainous mathemati- 
cal speech of, ;i56. 

Rose, Gen., 284. 

Rosecrantz, George, 311. 

Itoss, Major Gen., 319. 

Ross, Thomas R., 372. 

Ross, William, 311. 

Roiilo, interesting, 1.33, 134, 
i:i5. 

Rowland, Alderman T., 424. 

I{iiu'i,'le3, Ch;iB S.,368. 

Hush. 410. 

Riit'jers, Anthony, 112. 

Rycfcman, Wilhelmiis, 344. 

Siipe, Ebcnezer, .3.38. 

Sailors, impressing into Bri- 
tish service, 122. 

Salstonstall, Col., m, 34. 

Sainmons, 203, 263. 

Sanilers, Harcnt. 20, 10:i. 

Sunders, (':itlianne, 15. 

Sanders, E\Mr. 12, 20. 

Sanders family, ri side in Hol- 
land, 12 ; moved to Ame- 
rica, 12; bought laud in 
Glenville, 12. 

Sanders, (ion. Lyman, 27. 

Sanders, Godfrey Smith, 34. 

Sanders, Johannes, 12. 

Sanders. John, 11, 15, 51, 79, 83. 

Sanders, Lieut., 17. 

Sanders, Margaretta, 10, 11 

Sanders, Maria, 10, 11, 37, 1:30. 

Sanders. Miss, 140. 

Sanders, Moses Emerson, 24. 

Sanders, Mr., 15, 98. 

Sanders. Mrs., 15, :J5. 

Sanders, Rev. Lawrence, 11, 
15. 

Sanders, Robert, 11, 10, 17, 18, 
19, 24, 25, 20, 27, 28. 29, .'iO, 
31, M: birth of. 17; mar- 
riage of, 17 ; a member of 
the Albany convention, 
17 ; pavs curious items, 17 ; 
to Richard Wibird, 21, 32, 
:W; to Sir William John- 
sou, 22, 24, .30; to Cham- 
pion & ilay ley, 30 ; 



Sanders, Robert, to New 
Hampshire commission- 
ers, 2S; to Peter Miller, 
.34; to Sir Thomas Hub- 
bard, 28, 30, :M ; to Abra- 
ham J. Lansing, :i5 ; to 
Col. Jacob Wendell. 2(i. 27, 
2,8 ; to John M. Wendell, 
35 ; death of, 30. 

Sanford, Mr.. 119. 

Sanford. Nathan, 1511, .^38. 

Sangerlield. t)iieida Co., 401. 

SantJiuder, lieu.. 444. 

Savage, John, 308. 

Saxe. Marshall, 263. 

Schenectady, destruction of, 
13, 15. 

Schermerhorn, 179. 

Schermerhorn, UenryV.R. 380, 
387 ; to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer, 386. 

Schermerhorn, Mr., 167. 183. 

Schuyler, Ariaantie, 43, .58, 78. 

Schuyler, Colonel, 14, 425. 

Schuyler, Cornelia. 124. 

Schuyler, Elizabeth, 17, 37. 

Schuyler, Gen., 43, 44, 53, 54, 
55, 56, 61, 62, 03, 04, 65, 09, 
74, 75, 77, 82, 115, 110, 127, 
148, 151 ; to Philip Van 
Rensselaer, 40 : a runaway 
marriage in family of, 116. 

Schuyler, John. 17. 

Schuyler. Mr., 309. 

Schuyler, old family records, 
37. 

Schuyler, Peter, 17, 23, 26, 35, 
37. 

Schuyler, Philip, 17, 37, .59. 87, 
1.57 ; to secretary of war, 
148; death of 157; funeral 
honors, l.")8. 

Schuyler. Reuben, 2;35. 

Schuyler, S., 60. 

Scotia mansion, the old, 15. 

Scott, Col., 201, 262, 203, 270; 
takes charge of troops, 201. 

Scott, Dr., 103. 

Scott, General, 111, ,303. 

Scott. Winfleld, 260. 

Sea voyage. 112. 

Secretary of war to Capt. Van 
Rensselaer. 117. 120; to 
Sol. Van Rensselaer, 125. 

Seley, Mr. M.,420. 

Sentences, the art of dividing, 
littl understood, 16. 

Sergeant, Mr., 393. 

Seth, Col., 00. 

Severs, Mr.. 458. 

Sharks. Capt., 143. 

Shaw, Henry, Xi5. 

Shaw, John. ;W4. 

Shaw ifc Ludlow, Messrs., 55. 

Shaw. N.,98. 

Shaw. William, 143. 

Shaws, Mr., 39. 

Sheaffe, Gen., 209. 210. 213, 
214, 215. 21'.). 220. 2.56. 2.58. 
201. 202. 263, 201, 265, 268, 
269, 270, 271, 274, 2.80, 288 ; 
to Gen. Van Rensselaer, 
2(H. 205. 

Sheall'o, Margaret, 271. 

Shearte, R. IL, to Gen. Van 
Wcnsselaer, 269, 270. 

Sheldon. William, 71 

Shepherd. Messrs., 334. 

Sherbrooke, John, 330. 

Sherburne, Henry. 2'.t. 

Shettleworth. Lieut., 46. 

Shiuglelon, Lieui., 69. 

Sibley. Judge, 421. 

Sibley, Solomon, 4.22. 

Sim, Lie^t., 24'J. 



Simmnns, Mr., 192. 

Simmons, William, 190. 191. 

Skinner, Judge, 373. 376. 

Slingerlandt. W., 80. 

Sloop of War Natchez, 524. 

Slough, 110. 

Smitli, 110. a52, 368, 378. 

Smith, Capt., 113. 

Smith, Col., 146. 

Smith. Gen. Alexandi.T, 239, 
240. 

Smith, Gen. Samuel, 810. 

Smith. Lieut.. 221,273. 

Smith, Major, .374. 

Smith. Mr., 115. 

Smyth, Alexander. 275. 

Smyth. Gen., 2:J9. 240. 341, 
242. 245, IM(i, 247, 248, 252, 
273, 276, 277, 278. 279. 283, 
281. 2S5, .30.5, :«!». 3(jO; to 
Gen. Van Rensselaer, 239; 
is rebuked, 210. 242: his 
pretended attack on Ca- 
nada, 284, 2^5. 

Snelling, Col. J., 421. 

Snow ball, 489. 

Soldier, an old deaf, .302. 

Song, a new. 277. 

South America, interesting 
letters from, 430-.532. 

South wick, 370. 375, 379, 387; 
affairs of, 370. 

Southwick, Mr., 372, 376, 389, 
394. 

Southwick, Solomon, 293, 295. 
2!W, 373, 378, 380, 381; 
portrait of, 387. 

Spencer. ;300, 375. 379. 

Spencer, Ambrose, 188, 337, 
Ui. 307, ■■MiS. 412, 418; to 
Solomou Van Rensselaer, 
344. 

Spencer, Capt., 417, 418. 

Spencer, Elijah, 308. 

Spencer, John C, 175, 231, 
340 ; speaker in the assem- 
bly, 340. 

Spencer, Judge, 344, 357, 425, 
471, 472. 

Spencer, Mr., 20. 

Spicy discussion in congress 
relative to the Canada 
campaign, 300. 

St. Clair. Gen., 59. 60, 65, 80, 
09. 96, 97, 1.35, 422. 

St. Martha and the country 
around, 4.56. 

St. Nicholas Day, festival of, 4 ; 
toasts and speeciiesat.5. 6. 

St. Regis.an Indian village, 302. 

Staats, Abraham, 8. 

Staats, Col. Nicholas, 162, 
16:3, 471 . 

Staats, Dr., 455. 

Steamboat, the tirst, 183. 

Stearns, Dr., 248. 

Steele Miss, 176 § 

Stephen, Colonel, 66. 

Sterling, Lord, 78. 

Sterling Micjih, 3(W. 

Sterrv, Peter. 18(i. 

Stevenson, Mr.. :3!K). 519. 

Stewart, Gillliert, 203. 

Still well, 4.55: artillery of, 326. 

Stillwell, John, :JS1 . 

Siopford. Major, 46. 

Storm, Mr. Thomas, 122. 

Storrs. 3:38. :3<>1. 

Storrs, Henry R , 415. 

Story, a thrilling, .52i». 

Stranahaii, Colonel. 256. 

Strang. Jesse. 4:32. 434. 435; 
arrested and e.^eciited for 
the murder of Whipple, 
432,435. 



540 



Index, 



street, Randell S.,338. 
Strife, besriuuing of the, 531. 
Strons^. Eiisba B.. 341. 
Strong. James, 338, 301. 
Strother.s, 40-2. 
Stuart, J. B., 415, 416; to Sol. 

Van Rensselaer, 415. 
Sullivan, Capt., 119. 
Summary process, 525 . 
Sunday sports in Bogota, 507. 
Surveillance, tender, 130. 
Suspicions and lears, 528. 
Sutherland, Mr., 371 . 
Swan, Mr., 226. 
Swarthont, B. Mr., 
Swarts, Dick, 54. 
Swift, Colonel. 219, 288. 
Swifts, George, 219. 
Switts, Col . , 22-t. 
Swinton, Isaac, 8. 
Sword, a presentation that 

was not, 325. 
Symon, 14. 
Symonds, Mr., 379. 



Talmadge, Gen., 338. 
Tannehill, Gen., 302. 
Tayler, 182, 396, 415. 
Tayler, Governor, 167, 414, 470. 
Tayler, John, 166, 168, 189. .3.38, 

394 ; to the public, 167 ; to 

Sol. Van Rensselaer, 167. 
Tavler, Judge, 109, 178, 180. 
Taytoe, Capt., 111. 
Tayloe, Col., 148. 
Tayloe, John, 147. 
Tayloe, Mr., 504, 508, 510, 512, 

517, 5-^. 
Taylor, John W., 338, .354, 368 ; 

elected speaker of H. R., 

354. 
Tavlor, Jonathan, 95, 98. 
Taylor, Mr., .357. 
Tea party, old fashioned, 129. 
Ten Broeck, Gen., 77, 151 
Ten Broeck, Hon. Abraham, 

157. 
Ten Broeck, John C, 68. 
Ten Eyck, 377, 434. 
Ten Eyck, Abra., 334. 
Ten Eyck, Jacob, 217. 
Ten Eyck, Major, 334. 
Ten Eyck, Myndt. S., 88 
Teneriffe and its cathedral, 

481. 
Thanks, expression of, 393. 
Thayendant gea's exploits and 

massacres, 122. 
Thayer, Co!., 412. 
Thayer, S., 407; to Solomon 

Van Rensselaer. 407. 
The brig Tampico, 4.39. 
The whistle of the muleteer, 

529. 
Thomas, Col., 315. 
# Thomas, Gen., 52, 333. 
Thompson, JonatBan, .374. 
Thompson, Judge, .503. 
Thompsou, Mr. James, 330. 
Thompson, Mrs., 413. 
Thompson. Smith, 368, 378, 

380, 389, 400. 
Thorn, \Vm,, 57. 
Tibbits, George, .391. 
Tillman, John, 06. 
Tillton. Capt., 119. 
Todds, Gen., 105. 
Tompkins, 223. 306, 378, 379. 
Tompkins, Caleb, 338, 305. 
Tompkin.-^. Daniel D., 166, 170, 

183. 221, 2(W, 311, 320, 3:«, 

339, 345, 3.-)2, 360, .373, 381, 

38S, 3S9, 39i), :i92, 396 ; to 

Mr. Thompsou, 373. 



Tompkins, Gov., 124, 154, 
157, 188, 189, 196, 199, 204, 
205. 225, 2:^6, 274. 275, 277, 
293, 294, 295. 309, 310, .313, 
322, .367 ; unfeeling conduct 
of, 295; to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer, :im, 313. 

Tompson, Mr., 373. 

Torrens, Col., 503, 525, 526. 

Torrey, Daniel, 96. 

Totter, Mathew, 88, 327, 334, 
396. 

Tower, Reuben, 402; to Sol. 
\^an Rensselaer, 402. 

Townsend, Isaiah, 486. 

Townsend, Mr. John, 412. 

Towson, Capt., 261. 

Tracy, 415. 

Tracy, Albert H., 405. 

Tracy, Robert H.,33S. 

Traverse. Mr., 485. 487. 

Trebout, Capt.. 335. 

Tribute of respect, 366. 

Trimble, Aldeu, 4;M. 

Troublous times, 150, 170. 

Trneman, Major, 95. 

Trumbull, .335. 

Trumbull, Col., 411 . 

Trumbull. Governor, 41, 42. 

Turner, Capt., 107, 119; to 
Capt. Van Rensselaer 97; 
to Lieut. Visscher, 107. 

Turner, Lieut., 97; to Capt. 
Van Rensselaer, 97. 

Tuthill, Silas, 368. 

Tyler, John. 393. 

Tyson, John, 68 ; to Gov. 
Lewis, 68. 



Uncle Peter. 489. 

Union College to Philip 

Schuyler, 87. 
United States, officers of 

government of, 33S, 368. 
Urdeuata, Gen. 510, 525. 



Vale, J. L., 486. 

Valencia, Monsieur, 444. 

Van Alstyne, Jacob, 66 ,167. 

Van Benthuysen, Jacob. 23. 

Van Bunschootens, Domine, 
84. 

Van Buren, 370, 372, 378, 379 
400, 407, 487. 

Van Buren, Elsie, 10. 

Van Buren, Governor, 4.55. 

Van Buren, Leonard, 41, 42, 
82 ; to Philip Van Rens- 
selaer, 41, 42. 

Van Buren, Martin, 3.37, .349, 
358, 3(il, 36;^, 376, 377, 381, 
384, 385, 387, 388, 389, 390, 
392. 390; to Mr. Knower 
and others, 374, .375, 376 ; 
to Mr. Dudlev, .382. 

Van Buren, Mr., 40, 371, 373, 
374, .380, 382, 395, 463. 

Van Burgh, 57. 

Van Cortlandt, General, 428, 
506. 

Van Cortlandt, Maria, 10. 

Van Cortlandt, Pierre, 411, 487. 

Van Cortlandt to Sol. Van 
Rensselaer. 487; to Sol. 
Van Rensselaer, .506. 

Vandcrpott, Captain, 42. 

Vanderput, Captain, 43. 

Van Hook. Brandt, 71. 

Van Home, Gen., 151, 157. 

Van Munickhousen, 104. 

Van Ness, Cornelius P., 193, 
407 ; to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 485. 



Van Ness, Gen., 333. 

Van Ness, Gov., 485. 

Van Ness, John P., 191, 193, 
430; to Judge Van Ness, 
191 ; to Solomon Van 
Rensselaer, 192. 

Van Ness, Judge. 158, 183, 184, 
281, 325, 330, 337, :M0, 341, 
344, 353, 302, 305. .367, 381 ; 
to Col. Solomon Van Rens- 
selaer, 183, 184, 281, 335, 
337, 340, 341, 344, 300, 362, 
307, 403, 407. 408. 

Van Ness, William P., 192, 
193- 

Van Ness, W. W., 159, 185, 
320, 335, 342. 345, 352, 356, 
300, 308, 403, 4(U, 407, 408 ; 
to Solomon Van Rensse- 
laer, 158. 

Van Rensselaer, 2. 6, 8. 43, 110, 
149, 153, 155, 167, 172, 174, 
175, 176, 177, 178, 182, 18.3, 
186, 191, 207, 209, 215, 218, 
224, 227, 231, 2.34, 276, 301, 
329, .340, 340, 307, 377, 379, 
.384, 518 ; ancient family 
papers of, 8. 

Van Rensselaer, Abraham, 432. 

Van Rensselaer, Captain, 59, 
97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 
10.5, 109, 111, 110, 121, 132, ^ 
134, 137, 140, 141, 142, 143, 
144, 188; wounded, 102; 
receives the gift of sword, 
from Capt. Campbell, de- 
ceased, 102 ; to Lieutenant 
Visscher. 104; to General 
Wayne, 105 ; to his cousin, 
125 ; to his wile, 132, 133, 
1.34, 1.37, l;«, 142, 144. 

Van Rensselaer, Colonel, 27, 
43, 02, 04, 140, 200, 201, 
202. 308, 253, 25:^. 2.54, 257, 
259, 201, 203. 268, 270, 272, 
281, 282, 283, 291, 292. 293, 
294, 295, 303, 308, 320. 344 ; 
riddled with bullets, 254 ; 
to General Wilkinson, 311; 
to Abraham Van Vecliten, 
226; to Gen. Lewis, 231. 

Van Rensselaer Dr., 475. 

Van Rensselaer, Elizabeth, 
428. 

Van Rensselaer, Gen., 5, 164, 
166, 170, 180, 181, 195, 199, 
204, 20(i, 210, 214 210, 217, 
231, 2.31, 233, 2aj, 2.35, 2:^6, 
238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 
244, 246, 247, 248. 249, 250, 
256, 2()4, 200, 269, 271, 274, 
275, 278, 379, 380, 288, 389, 
290, 297, 298, 332, 342, 353, 
350, .358, 300, 3(i2, 306, 369, 
372, 374, .382, 387, 3.'<8, :i91, 
395, 396, 397, 398, 412, 415, 
416, 438, 485, 487 ; benevo- 
lence of, 77 ; to Gen. Brock, 
220, 264 ; to Gen. Dearborn, 
233, 344; to Lieut. Col. 
Fenwick, 348 ; to Major 
Mullany, 3.50; to Gen. 
Sheafie. 265, 368, 269; to 
Willfain Simmons, 190; to 
Alexander Smyth, 210, 242; 
to Gen. Hall, 247; to Gov. 
Tompkins, 230; to Solo- 
mon Van Rensselaer, 380 ; 
to the public, 187-190 ; to 
Col. Willett, 241 ; Mar§;aret 
Schuyler, first wife ol, 77 ; 
Stephen, the llfth patroon, 
77; in command of forces, 
194 ; visits the British side, 
248. 



Index, 



i41 



Van Kcnnselaer, Henry K.. ]0, 
11, Gl, 03, (iO, l(i2, !«!»; 
death of. 32fi ; luiu-ial sol- 
einnitit's of, :W(i, 32T. 

Van Rensselaer, llenry R., ill. 

Van lieusselaer, Jeremiah, 417. 
\i8; children of, 10; I" 
Sol. Van Kenffselaer, .3-15, 
'IKi. 

Van Uenssclaer, John, 4->i. 

Van Kensselaer, Killian, 7, 10, 
37. 13, 78, 7'.t: acknow- 
k-di;ed patroon, 7; dia- 
inoud merchant of 

Amfierdani, 7 ; a director 
ill We^t India Co., 7; 
selects land at KortOrange, 
7 ; death of, 7. 

Van Rensselaer, Killian U., 
130, 15fi. 

Van Rensselaer, Killian K.,11, 
107, 108, 120, 123; to Capt. 
Van Rensselaer, 107; Itl; 
lo Philip Van Rensselaer, 
7S. 

Van Rensselaer, Killian R, 
news of his death. 510. 

Van Rensselaer, Lady, canal 
barjje, I'io. 

Van Rensselaer, Major, 14s, 
152, 157, 21.3, 220. 

Van Rensselaer, Margaretta, 
519; to her sister, 51!). 

Van Rensselaer, Maria M.. 510. 

Van Rensselai r, Miss, 129. 

\:\u Uen>selaer, Miss A., 4:J0. 

\'an K'lii.-relaer, Miss Arrielt, 
115, lit;, 119,45.5. 

Van Rensselaer, Mrs., 179, 
225. 429, 4:j7; to her 
husband, 227. 

Van RriisMlaer, Mrs. A.. I2«. 

Van Hciisselaer. Mrs. II.. 85. 

Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Jacob, 
to >Irs. I'hilip Van Rens- 
selaer. 119. 

Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Philip, 
39. 

Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Sol., 414, 
427 ; to her danghters, 427. 
429. 

Van Rensselaer, Nancy. 327. 

Van Rensselaer, Nicholas, 10, 
11, 43.44. 47, 07, 101, .'KJ. 
3:i4; to Pliilip Van Rens- 
selaer, 47. 

Van Rensselaer, Philip. 10. 11, 
35, :«. 40, 41. 42, 44, 40. 47, 
49, 50. 51, ,52, 53, 5-1, .55. 50. 
02. 09, 71, 75, 70. 7S, 79, HO, 
81, 82, m, 88, 112, 113, 130. 
147, 414. 432, 4:W; to Cor- 
nelius Ray, 82 ; to Gov. 
Geo. Clinton, 88 ; to Timo- 
thy Hckering, 81 : to Col. 
Van Rensselaer, 248 , to 
Richard Varick, 88; to his 
wife. :i8. 

Van Rensselaer. Rensselaer, 
2. 442. 45^1, 455, lti3, 470, 
472, 476, 500. 510, 519, 52:3 ; 
collects material for a 
history of Albany, 2; sails 
to South America, 437 ; 
portrait o.', 454; to his 
father, 4.39, Ml. 442, 4.55. 
10-1, 472, 474, 487, 505. 510. 
52.3. 

Van Rensselaer, Robert, Col., 
53. 

Van Rensselaer, Robert 8.. 
112, 113, 115, 128; in 
London, 115; to his sister, 
113 11.5, 117, 126; to Col. 
PhilipVan Rensselaer, 112. 



Van Rensselaer, Solomon, 1, 
5. 12, 91, 92, 93, 100, 100, 
112, 117, 122, 124, 125, 120, 
131, 130, 138, 145, 1.51, 151, 
l.'.S, !.->9. 104. 1(;S, 184, 1K5, 
llHI, 192, 190, 198, 212, 224, 
22S, ^:!(i. i-j-J, -'r.i, 277, 280, 
2M. 2S5. 287. :««, ;I0.5, :J0!», 
.ill. :ii:i, :!14, :115, .310, 317, 
319, :\-'{). :i21, -.in. 325, 327. 
.328. :}:)(). :wi,:W2, ;»l, 330, 
.3.37, 3.38, :m. :mi, :H3, .315, 
:i49, XA), :151, :i.52, 359, 3(M, 
.30.5, .•iOS. :{70. 371, 373, 378. 
3.V0. :is.5, .■is7, :j93, 3iM, .'JOO, 
UK), 401, Hl.t. 407, 408, 409, 
410, 111, 412, 41.3,414, 417, 
418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 424, 
425, 4.;0, 4:i9, 440, 442, 454, 
4.55, 470, 471, 470, 486, 50»j, 
.507, 51.5. 520. 52;i; shot, 1 ; 
recovery of, 280: to Dr. 
Bay, 378: to I'hilip Bar- 
bour, :!85 ; to K. (,'. Genet, 
IM; lo his wife, 198. 211, 
247, 2C>8, :«0. .321, :i:«, :i-lo, 
342. 350, :i.53. :!5(), :358, 3(K), 
.31^, 487 : to the ]iatruon, 
.309: lo his son. 4.5.5, 470, 
to Gen. Harrison, 4:i8; to 
secretary of war, 121 ; lo 
Gen. Porter. 291 : ai)plica- 
tion for post master at Al- 
bany, 371 ; appointed v<'r- 
net" of dra^'oons, 91; 
elected member of con- 
gress, .3;i7; re-elected to 
congress. .307 ; removed 
from adjiilaiit general 
ol*iiate, 307 ; speech of, in 
reply lo mayor of Detroit, 
423;" public" dinner in De- 
troit, honor of, 124; ap- 
pointed Albany postmas- 
ter, :179: resignation as a 
member of congress, ;>80 ; 
l)romoted to Maj. Gen. of 
Militia. :3. 11;" to (ien. 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, 
:i.30 ; receives conimission 
as in-ijor general. :i37 ; 

Van Rensselaer, Stejilicn. 10, 
194. 190, 214, 245, 2,58. 200. 
296. 310. 312. 320, .328, 370, 
.388,401,402, 407, 408, 425. 
.507; 10 Gov. Tompkins, 
199, 2IM: resignation of, 
200 ; to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer. :i20. 328. 3:36 ; elect- 
ed to Congress, :389, :393. 

V.nn Schaack, Major J. B., 418, 

^■an Staphorst. J. G., 126: to 
Roberts. Van Rensselaer, 
121. 

\'an Slyck, Cornelius, RS. 

Van Twiller, Wonler, 7. 

Van Vecliten, Ephm. 08. 

Van Vcchten. Abraham, 1.58, 
170, Ita, 185. 198, 220, 221, 
2:30, 250, 251. 271. 272, ;32.5. 
:3.57; to Sol. Van Rens- 
selaer. 2.30, 2.50. 271. 

Van Vechteii. Mr., 217. 

Van Veehlen, Mrs., 227. 

Van Vechtcn. Tennis Ts, 50, 
.51,09, 109; lo Philip Van 
Rensselaer. 50, 09. 

Van Vechtcn, Walter. 208. 

Van Wyck, Win. W.. 308, :375. 
.•389. 

Varick, Colonel, 88, :3.35, 411 ; 
lo Pliilip Van Rensselaer, 
146. 

Varick, Richard, .54. 

Vecder, Nicholas, Rn. 



Vegetables, common, iiuconi- 
moil, .502. 

Vergara, .523, 

Visscher, Capt., 72. 73, 74. 

Visscher, Frederick, 69, 75 

Visscher. John, 4:3, 44, 104, 
.•3:1.3, :3.34. 

Visscher. Lieut., 107, 108, 100. 
1-23, 1^24; to Capt. Van 
Rensselaer, l()!l, 119. 

Visscher, Mr., 149. 

Visscher, .Mrs., 4(M, 470. 

Visscher, Mrs. Nanningl.,413, 

Vis-icher, Naiining I., 97, 98, 
!»!». 100. 101, 110, 119, 14.5, 
140, 148. 418; marriage of, 
149 ; to Capt. Sol. Van 
Rensselaer. 9.8. 101, 12:3. 
V24, 145 ; to Major Van 
Rensselaer. 148 : portrait 
of. 119; death of, .308. 

Visscher. Col. Seba-tian, .327. 



Wadsworlli, (ien.. 2ti;3. 2(K), 
•2:30, 250, 2.57, -201, -264, 265, 
207, 27:3, -270, 4-29 : lo Gen. 
Van Rensselaer, 205. 

Waganar, Col. Peter, 69. 

Wallace, T., 298. 

Wall, Col., 147. 

Wall. Mr., .505. . 

Walsh. Dudley, 85. 

Walsh. Wm., 519. 

Walworth. Reuben H.. . •308, . •3,89. 

War, between Colombia and 
Peru, 521. 

War in 1812. declaration of, 
] 94-21.3. 

Warlield. 402. 

Warren, Daniel, 29. 

Warren, Sir Peter. 8. 

Washington, citv of. 1.53; cap- 
ture of. 319,". •120: the Bri- 
tish threaten to attack, 
:505. 

Washington, George, commis- 
sion from, appointing Sol- 
omon Van Rensselaer, 
Lieut, of dragoons, s3 ; 
interesting Iclteis from, 
:303. 

Washington, Gen., 42, .57, 58, 
74. 80, 81. 95. 98. 10:3, 104, 
1:35, 147, 148. 1.50, 151, 15:1, 
2:38, -259. :329, 411 : to John 
Tayloe. 147 ; death ol, 1.50 ; 
his funeral procession in 
Albany. 151. 

Washington. George, 19. 93. 
1.5.5, 40:3, 411; ihe man of 
war, 155. 

Washington, Mrs., 86 ; levee, 
80. 

Washington, President, 80, 
01, 104. 

Wayne. Anthony. :386. 

Wavne. Capt., 147. 

Wa'vne. Gen., .s.5, 8«, 89. J»5, 
"97, 100. 101. 102, 103, 104, 
105, 121, i:iO. 1.3,5. 188, 2.5.5. 
310. -.HiS. 419. 4-22 : cjim- 
paign of. 89-108 ; pushes 
forward, 100: erects niili- 
lary works at Fort Dell- 
ance, 101 ; Ihe war horse 
of, 121 : returns to Fort 
Defiance, 10-1 : is neglected 
by congress, 101 ; his burial 
lil,ice, lO-l 

Webb, 110. 

Webb, Cart.. 105. 111. 121; to 
Capt Van Rensselaer, 
105, 121. 



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542 



Index, 



Webb, John, 122. 

Webb, J. jr., 94. 106. 

Webb, Lieut., 123. 

Webb, Lieut. J. W., 424. 

Webster, C. R., 2. 

Webster, Daniel. 405, .'520, 519; 

to Sol. Van Rensselaer, 

519. 
Webster, Lieut., 418. 
Webster, Mr., 299, 485. 
Wedding invitation, 83 ; of 

1776, 129. 
Wemple. Col., 70. 
Wendell. Col., 23, 27, 31. 
Wendell, Jacob, 26, 28 29, 30, 

:«. 
Wendell, John, 28. 
Wendell. John H.. 169, 327, 

.334, 412. 
Wendell, John Mico, 26, .31, 

34. 
Wendell, Madm., 20. 
Wendell, Maria, 17. 
Wendell Mr., 33. 
Wendover, Peter IL, 338. 
Westerlo, General, .331. 
West Point, ideas, 124: Mili- 
tary Academy at, 407. 
Whaley, Hercules, 95. 
Wheeler, John W., 342. 
Whipple. John. 432, 433, 434 ; 

murdered, 4.32. 
Whipple, Mrs., 4:33, 4.34. 
Whipple, Mrs. Elsie, 433. 
Whistler, J., 'm \ to Gen. 

Van Rensselaer, 230. 
Whitehall, Gen. Montgomery, 

buried at, 331. 
White, Henry, 40. 
Wibird, Riclid., 29, 31, .34. 



Wilkinson, 110 ; appointed 

. deputy adjutant general, 
141 ; to Capt. Van Rens- 
selaer, 140; to Maj. Van 
Rensselaer, 155 ; to Sol. 
Van Rensselaer, 186. 

Wilkinson, Capt., .53. 

Wilkinson, General, .34, 68, 96, 
99, 102, l:32. 134, 137, 138, 
140, 141, 142, 152, 153, 154, 
1.55, 186, 212, 255, 258, 308, 
318, 321 ; to secretary ol' 
war, 153. 

Wilkinson, James, 145. 152, 
187, 313, 316, 326. 

Wilkinson, Mrs., 155. 

Willard Elias, 334. 

Willett, Col, 71, 241. 

Willett, Lieut. Col. M., 239. 

Willett, M., 3.35. 

Willett, Col. Marinus. 79, 80, 
238, 242, 411; to General 
Van Rensselaer 238. 

Williams, Captain, .331, 3.33, 

Williams, Colonel 325, 

Williams, Col. John, :«2, 333, 
334.402. 

Williams, D, R., 310. 

Williams, Elisha, 170, 182, 340 ; 
death of, 182. 

Williams, Lewis, 409, 410; to 
Sol. Van Rensselaer, 409. 

Williams, Major J. R., 409, 
431, 422. 

Wilie, Walter, 1,5. 

Wilson, Dr.. 244, 288, 289, 290, 
291, 303; to Maj. Lovett, 
291. 

Winchester, Gen., 143, 145. 

Winder, Col., 268, 269, 2W, 279. 



Winder, Gen., 301, 319, 320. 
Winne, Wm. B., 382; Billy, 

the penny post, 382. 
Winston, Major, 112, 119. 
Wirt, Mr., 380. 
Wisner, Henry, 55. 
Woodcock. 375. 
Woodcock, David, 368, 389. 
Wood. Elias, 338. 
Wood, Silas, 368, 405. 
Woodstock, the birth place of 

the Black Prince, 129. 
Woodworth, Capt.. 422. 
Woodworth,John.l70, 185, .368. 
Wool, Captain. 2,52, 258, 273, 

286 ; report of, 272; to Col. 

Van Rensselaer, 272. 
Wool, Capt. Gen., 285. 
Wool, John E., 263, 272, 421, 

422, 424. 
Woolsey, Capt., 288. 
Wooster, Gen.. 48, 49, 50. 
Wolfe, Gen., 31, 330. 
Worth, Major, .333. 
Wright, Gen., 299. 
Wright, Mr., 464. 



Yankee dinner party, 487. 
Yates, Christopher, 56. 
Yates, Col., 33:3. 
Yates, Gov., 409, 414. 
Yates, John Van Ness, 4:32. 
Yates, Joseph C, 108, .337, .368. 
Yates, Judge, 108, 341, 400. 
Yates, Mr., 51. 
Yates, Peter W., 158. 
Yates, Richard, .52 ; to Philip 

Van Rensselaer, 52. 
Yates, Robert, 42, 57. 



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